Virginia Tech will remember the vibrant lives of 32 students and faculty who were tragically taken from their loved ones and community on April 16, 2007. Two years ago today.
There is something about baseball that makes everyone feel safe and happy. Baseball energizes the spirit and heals the mind. Americans embrace baseball because it symbolizes peace and tranquility. Major League Baseball helped America bounce back after the 9/11 terrorists attacks and lifted spirits again two years ago after the VT shooting.
Photo Courtesy of US Presswire
The Washington Nationals wore Virginia Tech hats during the game on April 17, 2007 as a sign of support. The idea sprang from an e-mail that Nationals fan Dave Lanhama, resident of Calvert County, sent to team president Stan Kasten. Fifteen minutes before the first pitch, Major League Baseball gave the team approval.
Photo Courtesy of The April 16 Archive.
Former outfielder Chris Snelling donated his hat to the Baseball Hall of Fame, where it is on display alongside the caps used by the Yankees and Mets after 9/11. At least six other game-worn caps were signed by players and will be sent to the Virginia Tech athletic department. Zimmerman (UVA alum) signed his hat with a simple message: "God Bless! From the Nats and Cavaliers!"
Note: Phillies manager, Charlie Manuel, was a two-sport star for Parry McCluer High School which is about 75 miles north of Blacksburg and "spent a lot of time there." Nats play Phillies tonight at 7:05pm.
This is the price we pay for Virginia's lax gun laws and substandard funding of mental-health care. But it's worth it, right?