
Joe Staton to Throw out Ceremonial First Pitch!
As we gather together on this special day to salute and honor Jack (Jackie) Roosevelt Robinson, It gives me great pleasure to be a part of this now annual celebration. In some many ways, it will always be 1947 all over again. I say this because each day, there is a “first of its kind” happening somewhere on this planet we call home. Tremendous strides are being made in many walks of life, whether you are the first in your family to go to college, or join the service, or get elected to a public office, we as a people are growing. Growing in our acceptance of each other, growing in acceptance of different cultures, and of different generations. Yes, we know that progress is being made!
It is a great honor to be asked to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Seattle Mariners baseball game on Sunday April 13th. Having traveled along that long and winding road with stops in Florida, North Carolina, and Montgomery, Alabama before reaching the Detroit Tigers, I can truly appreciate the accomplishments of those who paved the way for those of us who would follow. With the help of the Seattle Mariners Baseball organization, the Central Area Youth Association (CAYA), and the Boys & Girls clubs of King County, I, along with the Rev. Dr. Samuel B. McKinney (Mt. Zion Baptist Church) and Bill “Spud” North (Oakland Athletics, and Garfield High School teammate), have been a part of the RBI (Reviving Baseball in the Inner cities) program for more than 20 years here in Seattle. During that time we have had the pleasure to see many kids go on to reach new heights and goals in the game of baseball and life. 14 kids have been drafted or signed by Major League Baseball, and over 190 kids have gone on to college to participate in sports and achieve academic success. For more information on the RBI Baseball program, contact Joe Staton at CAYA. (206 -322-6640)
Thank you Seattle for being my home, thank you Seattle Mariners Baseball organization for your generosity and commitment, but most of all, thank you Jackie Robinson.