Father, son team up for opening pitch of 2009 Marlins season

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Erik Hofmeyer
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MIAMI - --  Senior Master Sgt. Tony Romero's son Sean, 12, arrived with his family at Dolphins Stadium for the first game of the Florida Marlins 2009 season like any of the 34,000 fans in attendance. But Sean had no idea about the once-in-a-lifetime surprise the Marlins and his family had in store for him on this grand day in America's favorite pastime.

In a couple of hours he'd be on center stage throwing out the ceremonial first pitch of the 2009 season. It was quite an honor considering Vice president Joseph Biden and former president George W. Bush were among others throwing out first pitches at ballparks around the nation.

This opportunity for Sean came about while the 482nd Fighter Wing coordinated the opening day F-16 flyover with the Marlins organization. The Marlins' director of game presentation proposed the idea of having the son or daughter of a deployed reservist throw out the first pitch.

And a perfect match was found with the Romero family. Sergeant Romero is the life support NCO-in-charge from the 93rd Fighter Squadron, Homestead Air Reserve Base, and is currently deployed to Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Each of his four children love the Marlins and haven't seen their dad in over three months. Sean's mother, Ivonne, his younger sister, Natalie, and two adult brothers, Victor and Greg, all accompanied their brother during his special day.

"No way!" a wild-eyed Sean said after learning he'd be throwing out the first pitch. "Who knew about this?"

Marlins' staff members subsequently gave Sean his own customized jersey with "Romero" and the number "09" on the back. He also met with starting pitcher Josh Johnson and closer Matt Lindstrom for a few minutes.

When the time came for the opening ceremony, Sean and his family were led to the field and waited by the visiting team's dugout until he was escorted to the pitcher's mound. Then, an announcement was made to look up at the Jumbotron where a surprise appearance was made by Sergeant Romero.

"Hello South Florida, I'm Senior Master Sergeant Tony Romero from Homestead Air Reserve Base, and currently deployed to Joint Base Balad, Iraq. I'm going to ask my son Sean to help me throw out the first pitch of the exciting Florida Marlins 2009 season. Here you go Sean; I'll see you soon. Go Marlins!" he said.

The opening pitch was a team-effort between father and son. Sean did exactly what his dad asked of him and threw a strike down the center of the plate to second baseman Dan Uggla. The crowd gave a roaring applause and Dan Uggla ran up to the mound to congratulate Sean. The playing of the national anthem by the band Chicago and a flyover capped the pre-game ceremony.

"This event means a great deal to my son and family. It is truly special for me. I love baseball, my squadron is doing the flyover; it's my home team and my family is directly involved," Sergeant Romero said via an email from Iraq.

The opening day festivities were a great start to a promising year. The Marlins - a young team chalk full of talented players - opened the season in style by winning a 12-6 slug fest over the Washington Nationals.

The excitement, autographs and Marlin's win were all unforgettable experiences; however, Sean's favorite moment was a bit more personal.

"My favorite part was seeing my dad on the screen," Sean said. "I didn't expect that at all."