YORK, Pa. — The York Revolution opened their 2024 season on Thursday night, however this year it was a season opener that carried a little more weight than years prior.
It was an evening dedicated to late baseball legend Brooks Robinson, one of the best third basemen to ever play the game.
Brooks Robinson passed away in September at the age of 86. He played for the York White Roses back in 1955 and would later become a co-founder of the York Revolution. For all that he had done for the organization, the Revs knew they had to do something special.
The night started off with hundreds of fans lining up hours before the gates officially opened to get a replica iconic White Roses Brooks Robinson Jersey being given away to the first lucky one thousand. A reflection of just how much Robinson meant to the York community.
"We were sure to get [this jersey], it’s a special one," said Helen Parks, a longtime Revs fan from York.
"As soon as we found out we were getting the jerseys there was no doubt we’d be here at least an hour early," said York Revolution fan Dayle Phillips. "We needed to be in the first one thousand, there was no question about that."
The organization also played a tribute video along with inviting Brooks Robinson's family to partake in the pregame ceremonies which included a first pitch from Robinson's grandson and a ceremonial third base delivery of the game ball to the mound by Robinson's son, Brooks Robinson Jr..
"It means everything. People love my father," said Robinson Jr. "Dad has always had a strong connection to with the city of York Pennsylvania since 1955 when he signed his first major league contract."
It was an opening night about more than just baseball. It was about paying tribute to a man who gave the York community so much.
"For York, it was very special because he's basically the one that got baseball started in York," said Paul Deyarmin, who's attended every single home opener for the past eight years. "He’s the one that got a lot of fans interested in baseball.
It's a lasting impact felt both on and off the field.
"He was a great human being. A great humanitarian every time he was in our stadium," said York Revolution President Eric Menzer. "Really a great person, in addition to a great baseball player and that’s why people react so strongly to him."
A passionate fan base that now roots for the legacy Robinson leaves behind.