I have an annual tradition of going out with my buddies to the season opener of the Marlins.
This year, the spectators and Miami Marlins players showed their support for the families of Marjory Stoneman Douglas shootings.
Look at this tall glass of water representing MSDstrong @Marlinspic.twitter.com/uA6MZMKC3C
— T.A. Walker (@timallanwalker) March 29, 2018
This year was extra special because of Derek Jeter. He is now the Chief Executive Officer of the Marlins, and he is a charmer.
#Jeter in the stands pic.twitter.com/wRylcbaH5X
— T.A. Walker (@timallanwalker) March 29, 2018
He confidently, without noticeable security, walked into the 5th Base tent (yes 5th base, don't scold me sports fans, I know there is only four bases).
He took photos with fans, media, and sponsors. It took him a good thirty minutes to get through the entire tent. I didn't dare to approach the intimidating 6' 3" sports star. But our old sports anchor, Ryan Liber got one (photobombed by Kevin Kaminski).
Once he got to the end of the tent, he energetically hopped up on stage and set the framework for how he is going to run the team, "We will represent this city and this community in a first-class manner."
#DerekJeter "We will represent this city and this community in a first-class manner." @Marlins@WPTVpic.twitter.com/4yoxgLry7q
— T.A. Walker (@timallanwalker) March 29, 2018
I liked that, because if South Floridians can have something proud to root for, perhaps the fanbase will grow.
National Anthem At @Marlins game. pic.twitter.com/LxX6oVJDWi
— T.A. Walker (@timallanwalker) March 29, 2018
He left the tent as a marching band played "Take Me Out To the Ballpark." He rushed into the stadium to watch DJ Khaled debut the new Marlin's anthem, which was performed live before the game.
Take me out to the @marlins ballpark @WPTVpic.twitter.com/Px0ZLWbsPK
— T.A. Walker (@timallanwalker) March 29, 2018
New Miami Marlin's Anthem
DJ Khaled Signing Autographs
.@djkhaled signing autographs after his @Marlins performance/debut @WPTVpic.twitter.com/rMdsOEZM26
— T.A. Walker (@timallanwalker) March 29, 2018
Today was busy crowdwise, but not full. Jeter has his work cut out for him, but seemingly it's nothing he can't handle.
When you stumble upon Billy the @Marlinspic.twitter.com/oYDPLW2QnG
— T.A. Walker (@timallanwalker) March 29, 2018
By the way. I accidentally walked into a box that I thought was for the PRESs, it wasn't it was for the PRESident of Major League Baseball, Joe Torre. The occupants of the box couldn't have been friendlier letting me know I was in the wrong location.
