The Road to Marlins Stadium – Finale

The day finally came. The March 1st matchup between Marco Island Academy’s Manta Rays and Boca Raton Christian’s Blazers at LoanDepot Park. The first pitch was thrown at 6 PM and the Rays jumped to a quick 4-0 lead behind a hit from junior Ryan Sweeney and RBI’s from Shamus Coyle, Aiden Karl, and Chase Berry. The Blazers would go on to score 9 unanswered runs and put the ball game away. Despite the Rays ultimately falling short in the game with a final score of 10-4, the chance to play in the Marlin’s home stadium of LoanDepot Park is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that they will never forget.

I remember looking up and being amazed. LoanDepot Park was bigger than any of us would have imagined. After unloading our baseball gear we began to walk into the stadium. It was just an insanely surreal experience. I thought it couldn’t get crazier until I walked out of the tunnel and onto the field and just looked around. It felt awesome to be on the same field that legends like Iricho, Mike Trout and so many others have played on. It was such an honor.

It got even better. We warmed up on the field, hit in the batting cages, and got to experience what it was like to be in the stadium before a game. I’ve watched several games from the stands at LoanDepot Park, but to play on it was just a whole different experience. 

Then came game time. Our names were announced as we walked out on the field, and pictures of us were put on the big screen that hung in centerfield. On the field, I was fortunate enough to get a hit, steal a base, catch a fly ball in the outfield, and score a run. Being able to get the opportunity to play in this game and do all these things during it was unreal and unbelievable to me. I will never forget this moment and experience and I will forever be grateful for my teammates, coaches, and everyone who helped us along the way.