The University of Aberdeen and Harford Institute of Technology baseball teams gathered on the sidewalk that separates the Eagles' soccer and baseball fields for pregame ceremonies. The two squads stood facing each other, all wearing royal blue hats with a white “42” written across the front. Between them was a microphone, the touchpoint of the day that KJ Miller had been planning all along.
The game was originally scheduled for last Friday, three days before Major League Baseball's Jackie Robinson Day, but it was the anniversary of Robinson's major league debut at Ebbets Field in 1947, which broke professional baseball's color barrier. It was postponed to Thursday night, three days later. .
Thanks to Miller's efforts, a new proclamation was written in Harford County officially honoring April 15 as Jackie Robinson Day. Parents, family members and city officials gathered Thursday night for the region's first ceremony, which took place before Harford Technical College's 7-1 victory over Aberdeen.
Harford County Deputy Terry Hanley also wore a custom “42” lid and handed out fliers before the event. On the one hand, many of Robinson's baseball accomplishments were listed. Other Penn would like to thank the team and staff who made the event possible.
Below that is a quote from KJ, which reads in part, “There are few people I can name who have had a greater impact on my life than Jackie Robinson.”
Among the enthusiastic crowd was KJ's mother, Alecia, who wore a royal blue 42 jersey over an Aberdeen baseball T-shirt. She made sure to Zoom in with the remaining family members who were unable to attend on the rescheduled date.
“I'm very excited and proud,” Alecia said afterward. “This is something he's wanted for a long time. Both of my kids are really great. They're both go-getters and this is something he's wanted for a long time. It all started back in elementary school. ”
Miller felt an affinity for Robinson's story from an early age. His first introduction was through his 4th grade school project. Alecia said she credits her husband, who is obsessed with sports, with helping her son find Robinson's story.
Sports come with lessons, she noted. It started simply as a school project, but KJ, who was at times the only black player on the baseball team, drew inspiration at every turn from his one of the most famous athletes of all time. KJ hoped the legacy of Robinson, his soon-to-be alma mater, would continue after Robinson left.
Thursday's events sealed that dream.
“He used those lessons to say, 'I can do this.' This is possible. I can't say no,” says Alecia, who seeks change while avoiding the spotlight. He spoke about his son, who jumps at any opportunity that comes his way. “He always was.”
Miller stood proudly on the sidelines as various speakers took turns at center stage. His hands were tucked proudly, but perhaps a little nervously, into his back pockets.
Among the speakers was Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly, who presented KJ with a written proclamation on behalf of the county government praising his efforts and setting out his remarks at the rally.
“After World War II, our country made many efforts to unite the races.” [for] It's about racial harmony,” Cassilly said. “We gave speeches, passed laws, held marches, sit-ins, and even riots. But for me, the most impactful thing was integrating professional sports. I have to say it.”
Cassilly, who was born in Havre de Grace and graduated from Bel Air High School, recalls growing up as an avid Orioles fan and the inspiration she gained from looking at photos of black players Frank and Brooks Robinson, who share the same last name. He talked about rations. field.
When he saw it, he said: From the age of 6 until he was 70, his example left a lasting impression on anyone, regardless of their background. Jackie Robinson started it. ”
KJ had two goals in this tournament. The goal is to ensure that Robinson, a six-time All-Star, 1947 Rookie of the Year, and 1949 National League Most Valuable Player, dispels and reignites the misconception that he is “just a decent player.” . The discourse about his life was well lived.
The Aberdeen senior concluded the ceremony by sharing his favorite Robinson quote: “No life matters except for the impact it has on other lives.”
KJ threw out the first pitch and the baseball game started like any other. However, Thursday night wasn't about the hits and strikes of this midseason matchup. It was about the fact that they were able to play today thanks to Robinson's heroic act.
“Jackie Robinson sacrificed everything in his seemingly normal and peaceful life,” KJ said. And for us to be able to play this baseball game 77 years later, we were subjected to a level of harassment that we don't understand. ”
