Health & Fitness
Landon's First Pitch at the Rock Cats Game!
Union School kindergartener Landon Carrier, age 5, threw the first pitch at the May 31 New Britain Rock Cats game. Landon’s parents Stacey and Patrick placed the winning bid on this very special opportunity back in January at the Union School Taste of Union event, where first pitch was one of many exciting auction items that raised funds for the school’s arts programs.
“We won it with Landon in mind since he loves sports,” said Mrs. Carrier.
Landon was very excited for his big moment, and gave it a lot of thought beforehand. That morning, his grandmother came over so they could draw a special Rock Cats poster to bring to the game.
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That night was Halloween Night at the stadium, and guests were invited to wear costumes. The day of the game, Landon practiced pitching while wearing his wolf mask but quickly realized it would be too hot to wear. So he decided to dress up as a baseball player. Landon plays with the Farmington Youth Baseball League on the team the Marlins, sponsored by Farmington Motor Sports. He wore his uniform and painted his face as Rocky the Rock Cats mascot.
Landon and his mom were on the field while his dad, his brothers Gabe, age 8 and Ethan, age 3, his sister Lilah, age 1, and his cousins cheered for him in the stands. Landon was excited to see the baseball players up close - many of whom greeted him and the other First Pitchers warmly. There were a lot of high fives. Landon received a special Rock Cats baseball after his pitch.
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“Landon was very happy,” said Mrs. Carrier.
Union School students and their families brought the enormous American flag onto the field and unfurled it for the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the national anthem.
Union School parent Debbie Szczepanski organized the school's participation at the game that night.
“This was a great option as a fundraiser for the school,” said Mrs. Szczepanski. “More than 150 people attended from Union School- most brought the whole family, raising more than $400 for the school. It was a beautiful night, too. The kids loved being on the field with the flag, we were all so happy for Landon, and the Rock Cats were welcoming hosts."
