Head coach Robert Jameson brought his 8 and under Manatee Cal Ripken All-Star team, based out of Heritage Harbour, to the Single A Bradenton Marauders' game against the Tampa Yankees on Wednesday at McKechnie Field.
Only, there was more. The Manatee stars not only enjoyed the game, they were invited on the field before opening pitch, were allowed to visit with the coaches and players and even got to accompany the players to their starting positions before the game.
It was the Marauders' way of giving back to the community, and the players were thrilled about it.
Manatee All-Star Cameron Yates gets a fist bump from Marauders outfielder Michael Suchy.
Manatee All-Stars Brady Wells (22) and Parker Hullinger flank Marauder catcher Taylor Gushue at home plate during the playing of the National Anthem.
Who cares about baseball when you can run the stadium steps like Cameron Yates is doing?
Jaxson Withers and Parker Hullinger have great seats even though they are in the last row.
Caleb Jameson takes it all in as he enters the ball park.
Manatee's Jaxson Withers tries to keep up with Marauders outfielder Michael Suchy before the opening pitch.
Benjamin Jameson, Tyler Brown and Tyler Connelly showed some team togetherness before the Marauders take the field.
Marauder infielder Chase Simpson shows the all-stars some love from the dugout.
Brody Wells, Tyler Connelly, Tyler Brown and Cameron Yates compete in a bounce race between innings at McKechnie Field.
Marauder infielder Trace Tam Sing feels perfectly comfortable with the Manatee All-Stars all around him.
Denise West and her 4-year-old daughter, Kylie, couldn't participate on the field, but they had a great time watching Kayden West.
Marauders outfielder Elvis Escobar urges Manatee's Brandon Samler to keep up as they run to his position before the game.
Marauder infielder Trace Tam Sing greets the Manatee All-Stars.
John Rudolph and Kayden West explore the stadium before the game.
The Manatee Cal Ripken 8U All-Stars get a close look at the dugout.
Parker Hullinger gets a high five from the Marauders' mascot.
Robert Jameson, the 8U Manatee Cal Ripken All-Star team coach, gives his players instructions before the Marauders face the Tampa Yankees.
Caleb Jameson, wearing cap, tries to get a baseball away from Tyler Connelly before the Marauders game.
Marauders hitting coach Keoni De Renne gives the Manatee All-Stars lots of autographs.
Marauders infielder Kevin Kramer spends time with the Manatee All-Stars just before taking the field against the Tampa Yankees.
Benjamin Plimley, Benjamin Jameson and Caleb Jameson check out the field from behind the first base dugout.
The Manatee Cal Ripken All-Star team gets ready to party with the Marauders.
