This was set up by his Fall Ball baseball coach. The boys got to tour the team facilities. They were given instruction by some of the Phillies coaches. They even got to use the batting cages...
They spent some time out in the bullpen and then got to go onto the field for fielding and throwing practice. Mark said it was amazing to see the guy vacuuming the dirt getting the field ready for the game that day.
Afterward, the boys watched the Phillies warm up. Mark and John decided to eat something before heading home. As a result, John was randomly picked from the fans to go out on the field when they announced the Phillies and the National Anthem. It is called the First Nine and basically they pick 9 kids randomly from the stands to go out on the field with the players.
John didn't find out till the reported to the dug out area which player he would be with. It turns out he was with Juan Pierre, the left fielder for the day. They announced his name over the loud speaker and everyone in the stands cheered for him. Then he stood out their in Left Field until they announced Juan Pierre's name. The kids are all given a ball & a pen, so the players can sign their ball for them. Then they stand with them during the singing of the National Anthem.
When John got back to where Mark was standing he showed him the ball. On it was Juan Pierre's signature and Psalm 37. It is totally amazing because Mark's life verse is Psalm 37:4, 'delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart'. I love it when God does stuff like that! John had so much fun! It was an amazing experience for him.
2 comments:
What an amazing experience for him. I'm sure it will be one of the highlights of his life. I loved reading this post.
What a great day! I'm sure he will remember it forever. Such an awesome thing about the verse too, I'm sure you'll remember that part forever :)
Post a Comment