News
Eight years later, DeRosa reflects
New Jersey native looks back as Cards remember tragedy
By B.J. Rains / MLB.com
09/11/09 9:04 PM ET
ST. LOUIS -- Like most Americans, Mark DeRosa will never forget turning on the television to see the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. But unlike most watching, the tragedy hit closer to home for the East Rutherford, N.J., native."I couldn't believe what was happening, because as a kid, I could see the twin towers out my bedroom window," DeRosa said. "I called home and my mom was outside watching the towers come down."
The Cardinals infielder, who grew up on the other side of the Lincoln Tunnel in New Jersey, was on the Braves in 2001 and was at home at his apartment with his fiancée when she woke him up and told him that he better come take a look at the television.
"The only thing that goes through your mind is first anger, and second how sad it is for the people that worked there and their families," DeRosa said.
Fittingly enough for DeRosa, the Cardinals hosted the Braves for the opener of a three-game series on Friday night in St. Louis as both teams took time to pause and remember those who lost their lives on that unforgettable day eight years ago.
Eighteen young soldiers from the St. Louis area were officially sworn into the United States Army during pregame ceremonies that also featured a moment of silence and the appearance of four bald eagles.
The Cardinals also announced that they will be distributing free tickets for their upcoming three-game series against Florida to active and retired military, police, firefighters and emergency services personnel.
Fans waved flags and some even chanted "U.S.A." as one of the bald eagles, who were all from the World Bird Sanctuary just outside of St. Louis, made a dramatic entrance from beyond the outfield, circling the field before landing near the pitcher's mound to a rousing applause.
Even the players warming up on the field stopped to admire the symbol of the United States as the bird gracefully flew through the air before gliding down onto its handler's arm.
After Major League Baseball postponed games for six days following the tragedy, DeRosa and the Braves had the privilege of playing in the first sporting event in New York since the attacks when they played the Mets at Shea Stadium on Sept. 21.
The scene was one of the more memorable moments in recent sports history when Mike Piazza launched a game-winning two-run homer in the bottom of the eighth for the Mets as the city of New York finally had something to cheer about.
"It was unbelievable, there wasn't a dry eye in the house," DeRosa said. "It was a very special moment, something I will never forget. You wish you weren't a part of it because of what transpired, but at the same time, it was a very healing moment for the city of New York to be able to rally around the Mets at the time. It was fitting that Mike Piazza hit a big home run for them to win the game. It was the one loss in your career where you got on the bus and it didn't bother you.
"I really believe that Sept. 11 should never be forgotten. We should always be constantly reminded. Time heals all wounds, but I don't think it's healed anything in this situation. It's for us to stand up and pay our respects for the people who were in the buildings and those who served on the cleanup crews and everyone involved.
"It's actually something that I think about more than just this day. I think about it quite a bit."
B.J. Rains is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
