In a year that nothing is normal this local team did something extra ordinary!
I was asked to photograph a local baseball team that I sponsor for their senior night game. The Western Mass Rockies team made that game, a night these players will never forget. These players were not able to play baseball in their senior year of high school due to COVID-19 the season was canceled. The coaches of their summer traveling baseball team wanted to make it up to them. They booked The Dunkin Donuts Park in Hartford, CT, a professional baseball field that the Hartford Yard Goats play at.
Picture this, two local Springfield, MA traveling baseball teams getting to play on a professional field for the first time ever. This is something most teen players never get to even experience unless they go pro. The whole stadium cheering on these two teams. Still following the guidelines of social distancing and wearing masks. Most sports weren’t even allowed to happen this year. The Western Mass Rockies waited until they received the ok to play to start their season. It did start later than usual but it did not stop these players from playing.
As we arrive at the Dunkin Donuts Park the bus pulls up and the team players dressed like the pros start coming out. All of them excited about this once in a lifetime opportunity. Soon after we get to the dugout and it’s time to start announcing the players. The Seniors had special announcements with their pictures on the big screen. Now it’s game time! The game was close in the end, with the Rockies winning 4-3.
I want to thank the Western Mass Rockies team for making me feel like part of the team on their special night. Take a look at some of the photos of their night.
