MLB Umpires Sam Holbrook, Bruce Dreckman, Gerry Davis, and Brian Gorman welcome Matthew, Joshua, Josh, and Markell to Dolphin Stadium for a game between the Padres and Marlins. Matthew and Josh are mentors with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is one of the most effective youth mentoring organizations in the United States. BLUE for Kids recognizes the direct and lasting impact that adult mentors have in the lives of young people. Through the BLUE Crew Tickets program, umpires provide memorable sports experiences to strengthen the mentor/youth relationship. About Big Brothers Big Sisters

Guest Comments:

"On Saturday, May 4, my little brother Markell and I, along with mentor Matthew Haggman and his little brother Joshua, were given the experience of a lifetime courtesy of BLUE for Kids and host umpire Sam Holbrook. We received star treatment at the Florida Marlins - San Diego Padres game.

Our day started with a brief tour of the inner stadium that led to the umpires' dressing room where we met with Sam Holbrook and the rest of the umpiring crew. It was amazing to see this side of a baseball game.

Sam and the umpires talked to Markell and Joshua and gave them a bag of goodies. Both boys were filled with excitement and smiles and Matt and I were pinching ourselves to make sure this experience was real.

Sam Holbrook then escorted us to the field and we got to spend about 10 minutes soaking up the atmosphere of being on a major league diamond. Markell and Joshua stared and stared at the breathtaking view that none of us had ever experienced. Then we were escorted to our seats which were right behind home plate -- the best seats in the house. Wow.

It was a great game -- especially because the Marlins won 10-2. Markell and Joshua enjoyed drinks, hotdogs, and snacks, and watched their first baseball game from up close. It was one of the most memorable experiences of our lives.

Thank you BLUE for Kids for your support of Big Brothers Big Sisters and for giving Markell and Joshua an experience few have had and one that definitely broadened their horizons forever." - Josh Young

"Thank you very much for a great day at the ballpark. Joshua and I had a fantastic time. Thank you! In fact, afterwards Joshua wanted to go play baseball, which we did at a park not far from his house. We are enormously grateful to you, the Florida Marlins, and all of the umpires. " - Matthew Haggman

Additional Photos:



Special thanks from the umpires to:

• Angela Smith and the entire Marlins community relations staff. The Marlins promote educational, athletic, health, social and community service programs with a particular focus on South Florida's youth. Marlins Community Overview


• Mentors Matthew Haggman and Josh Young for serving the all important role of youth mentor.
  
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami for identifying two deserving matches for this unique baseball experience.

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