MLB teams unveil brand new jersey addition honoring Parkland victims
Opening Day is a time of joy and celebration for baseball fans across the country.
In Miami, however, where the Marlins hosted the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, there was also sorrow and remembrance.
Both teams paid tribute to the victims of the Feb. 14 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
Their uniforms featured a ribbon patch with the initials “MSD” and 17 stars, one for each victim.
Here’s the Stoneman Douglas patch the Marlins and Cubs will be wearing throughout the opening series pic.twitter.com/MENWAGQ6gP
— Baseball Bros (@BaseballBros) March 29, 2018
The mass shooting had a big impact on both clubs — and both responded.
For the Marlins, Stoneman Douglas High is 45 miles north of their home ballpark.
Miami’s team chaplain ministered to the victims’ families in the days after the shooting, and last month the Marlins hosted the MSD baseball and softball players at their spring training facility.
Marjory Stoneman Douglas HS baseball and softball teams meet Derek Jeter and the @Marlins. #ParklandStrong pic.twitter.com/4UMbV8odN8
— MLB (@MLB) February 23, 2018
They also wore Stoneman Douglas hats and patches in their spring training opener.
For Parkland.#MSDStrong | #DouglasStrong pic.twitter.com/tURWRQ9KVb
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) February 23, 2018
For the Cubs, first baseman Anthony Rizzo is a Stoneman Douglas alumnus.
He offered his prayers and support to the community the day of the shooting.
Two days later, Rizzo flew in from Arizona to speak at a vigil in Parkland for the 14 children and three adults who were slain.
“I’m only who I am because of this community and I just want all of you to know how proud I am of this community,” he said. “I want you to know you’re not alone in your grief.”
Before Thursday’s season opener, Rizzo and his teammates wore Stoneman Douglas T-shirts during warmups.
#MSDStrong pic.twitter.com/wXl500aBgz
— MLB (@MLB) March 29, 2018
Come game time, Rizzo, wearing the “MSD” patch, hit the first pitch of the fourth inning over the right-field wall for his first home run of the year.
Power with a purpose. #TeamRizzo pic.twitter.com/g209t2Jitl
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 29, 2018
The Cubs went on to win 8-4.
On Friday, four families of victims or survivors are scheduled to throw out the first pitch for the second game of the season-opening four-game series.
“Tomorrow will be a tough one to see for everyone who has a pulse,” Rizzo said.
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