While I have to say that the Ravens’ win yesterday was satisfying, if not terribly exciting, there was an aspect to yesterday’s game that was actually quite moving. Unfortunately, the national telecast of the game didn’t pick up on it, but the performance of the national anthem which was witnessed by the teams on the sidelines and the very few fans in the seats was about as impressive as any you’ve ever heard (my favorite ever being the one Marvin Gaye performed at the 1983 NBA all-star game; if you haven’t heard it, check it out on YouTube. You won’t be disappointed).
Yesterday’s national anthem, which will was filmed before the season and is being shown in the stadium all season long, was performed by the Cardinal Sheehan School Color Guard. Their performance happens on the restored Memorial Stadium field at the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Y at Stadium Place on 33rd Street in Waverly. In the midst of some very challenging times for our city, state and country (and on a rainy Monday), this performance will undoubtedly inspire you!
The field at the Weinberg Y was restored several years back thanks to a partnership with the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation. Upon the decision to build playing fields in neighborhoods around the country for kids who have too often been forgotten and ignored, they decided that one of the first fields they would build would rightly be where Cal and Billy Ripken played for their father, Cal Ripken Sr. The Foundation raised the money, funded the construction, and brought back to life a field that had meant so much to so many Baltimoreans over the years. Legendary teams and players had called Memorial Stadium home since the 1940s, with both the Orioles and Colts having championship seasons at what was affectionately called the “Old Grey Lady. “ Upon the closing of Memorial Stadium and the eventual redevelopment of what is now called the Stadium Place site (which includes not only our Y but senior housing built and managed by GEDCO), the site was but a bumpy, desolate field for years before we were able to partner with the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation to restore it in service to Baltimore’s young people.
The sense of joy which seems in short supply these days is ever-present in the inspiring performance by the Cardinal Sheehan choir. Their harmonious voices will continue to bring not just the Ravens but all of us a sense of hopefulness throughout this season. And to make matters even better, we're honored to have added the Cardinal Sheehan School as our newest Community School this year. At the Y, it’s our responsibility and privilege to help these talented kids, and so many others like them, grow up to lead, with both their voices and all of their talents, our city and country into the future.
And speaking of inspiring and flawless performances, many thanks to the indefatigable Alexis Perkins at the Weinberg Y for coordinating this. Her wise and warm smile is all over it.
All the best,
John
John K. Hoey
President & CEO
The Y in Central Maryland