Think Together Students and Staff Cheer on the Boys in Blue

It was Blue Heaven on Earth for Think Together students from the Compton, Lynwood, Paramount and Bellflower Unified School Districts as they watched the Dodgers take on the Toronto Blue Jays during a Think Summer field trip.

Students started their day at Dodger Stadium with a parade around the warning track, beginning in the outfield near both bullpens, passing by the Dodgers’ and visitors’ dugouts, and ending behind home plate in front of players from both teams as they warmed up.

Once they rounded the bases, they took their seats in the left and right field pavilions. Fans battled the sweltering heat to attend the game, with this field trip being the first time some students have attended a professional baseball game.

General Manager, Lesley Martin, who overseas Think Together programs for Compton, Lynwood and Paramount said that the kids were happy to cheer on the boys in blue. “The impact is huge, you see it in their smiles, you see it in their excitement. This is some of their first times going to a sporting event.”

The most exciting play of the game, however, was when Think Together kindergartener Aaliyah had the once-a-lifetime opportunity to throw out the first pitch, while fifth-grade student Tyler caught the ball. The duo was all smiles as they took the mound and home plate to represent Think Together and the 1,000 students in the home stands.

Aaliyah was chosen to throw out the first pitch for being the most outgoing student at her school, shared Quality Assurance Coach Lisbeth Espinoza. Aaliyah attends Roosevelt Elementary School and is a first-year Think Together student.

“She has a very contagious personality so when I was told about this opportunity, I knew Aaliyah would do a great job,” said Lisbeth. “She has been practicing her baseball throwing and catching skills with her site coordinator, and she was the best selection to represent Think Together at the game.”

Tyler, who attends Thurgood Marshall Elementary School, has been a part of Think Together since he was a kindergartener. He was thrilled to have the chance to catch the ball for Aaliyah’s first pitch. He never thought a day at Think Summer would end with him being on the field of Dodger Stadium. When asked what his favorite moment of Think Summer was, Tyler didn’t hesitate to share, “Being on the field at Dodger Stadium.”