A very special day at the Phillies Dominican Academy as three practice fields were named and dedicated to three Phillies Latin America legends - Juan Samuel, Bobby Abreu and Carlos Ruiz. In addition there was a surprise dedication at the end of the ceremony.
Dignitaries on hand included Managing Partner and Principal Owner John Middleton as well as Assistant General Manager of Player Development Preston Mattingly, Assistant Director of Player Development Edwin Soto, Director of International Operations Ray Robles and Director of Minor League Operations Lee McDaniel.
After opening remarks and introductions by emcee Yancen Pujols, Mr. Middleton came on stage and spoke (within a tent set up for the ceremony) acknowledging each of the three players for their service and accomplishments. They were each awarded plaques. The group then went to each of the three fields where the name placards on the fencing were unveiled along with monuments with each honorees photo and accomplishments enumerated. Afterwards the honorees spoke which was followed by an “first pitch” on each newly minted field to legendary Phillies coach Roly deArmas.
What followed was then even more special (the day was magical enough as is but the Phillies know how to do things so I should have known they had something else 🤓). In a complete surprise to him (which is difficult to do) the Phillies dedicated the 7-Pack of pitching mounds to longtime coach Roly deArmas! It was so very well deserved and emotional as Ray Robles made the announcement - I clapped vigorously for that even though no one heard me here in my living room 😂. A really really cool thing to do and very well deserved for Roly who’s been with the organization since the 1970’s! Excellent! A plague and placard were placed by the 7-Pack area with his name, photo and accomplishments.
A very special day indeed! Congrats to each of the four men - really good stuff!
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
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