Marist, Pius Play Benefit Game At Turner Field

Photos by Michael Alexander

Published: May 20, 2004

Marist School eighth-grader and cancer survivor Chris Berger, far left, hangs over the rail with some of the Marist baseball players. Berger threw out the ceremonial first pitch to start the game. The Spring Classic for Kids raised funds to buy an intra-operative MRI to treat children with brain tumors at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The May 11 Classic featured Marist vs. St. Pius X High School and Georgia vs. Georgia Tech. Standing next to Berger are (l-r) Mark Fleury, sophomore catcher, Bud Crawford, senior designated hitter, Brian Dolin, senior outfielder, Nick Darby, junior outfielder, Jimmy Tapp, sophomore outfielder, and Robbie Seymour, sophomore third baseman.

Dennis Kelly, left, and Reid Simmons share the role of announcer for the first game of the baseball doubleheader. Kelly announced when St. Pius X was at bat and Simmons announced when Marist was at bat.

Marist School third baseman Robbie Seymour assumes his defensive position in the infield.

Jason Garofalo, a sophomore for Marist School, takes a swing in the batter’s box as St. Pius X High School’s Griffin Benedict crouches behind Garofalo with his catcher’s mitt extended.

St. Pius X High School baseball head coach J.T. Gilbert chews bubble gum as he watches the Turner Field grounds crew make their final preparations to the infield. His team took the field against Marist School during the Spring Classic for Kids May 11.

St. Pius X players gather around their coach between the second and third innings of the game, which was tied 1-1. Coming together between innings is a common practice among high school and college teams. At that time the previous inning’s play is critiqued, game strategy is discussed and players are encouraged and motivated.

St. Pius X High School senior Peter Tooher takes the mound during the Spring Classic for Kids against Marist School at Turner Field. In three innings the pitcher gave up four hits, one run and struck out two.

Msgr R. Donald Kiernan, archdiocesan vicar general/pastoral ministries and pastor of All Saints Church, Dunwoody, sits along the first base line of the Spring Classic for Kids between Marist School and St. Pius X High School at Turner Field. Msgr. Kiernan was one of two people to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the game.