The sun has set one final time on Holman Stadium and baseball as we know it in the great city of Vero Beach. The Vero Beach Devil Rays played their last game in the legendary stadium on Saturday, August 30th in front of nearly 2,000 fans.
Game two was washed away due to heavy downpours which lead to the cancellation of the final two games on Sunday afternoon. Baseball in Vero Beach is no longer unless another organization comes to town. 2008 has been filled with exciting moments from walk off winners, to a 10 strikeout performance by Jeremy Hellickson to the debut of David Price, the number one overall selection of Tampa in 2007.
For me this was a season to remember being part of a staff that is top notch all around. I was given the opportunity to be a part of the final season in Vero Beach and will forever be great full of that. I would like to personally thank Shawn and Katie, co-general mangers of the ball club for all their help and cooperation throughout the season. Thank you to all the sponsors and area businesses that supported the team in 2008 and thank you to all the fans that cheered on the Devil Rays win or lose.
It is a sad day for all with the season coming to a close, but one not to be forgotten. A few tears were witnessed around the ball park shortly after the announcement that the final games were cancelled. Fans were taking several pictures to capture that one lasting moment and to cherish years of memories.
As someone who grew up around major league baseball in the Detroit area rooting on the Tigers, it was not until I moved to Florida did I grasp the appreciation for minor league baseball. These last two years in the Florida State League have been a dream come true for a young broadcaster. I look forward to several more years behind the microphone and hopefully at the professional ranks.
I have no immediate plans to leave the area as my wife and I are here until further notice. It will definitely be an awkward feeling to drive by Holman Stadium on aviation blvd/26th avenue and to look towards the stadium and see the light towers remain dark.
Vero Beach will forever be a baseball city, not only in spring training, but throughout the summer months as well. Thank you to everyone and God Bless.
Kirk Agius
Voice of the Vero Beach Devil Rays
No comments:
Post a Comment