After months of waiting, hoping, and even praying, Rocco finally made an extraordinary return to Major League Baseball on August 10, 2008, in Seattle, Washington.  I was extremely fortunate to be in attendance.  I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to make the trip.  Luckily, things worked out for me.  This event is definitely a great, if not the greatest moment in sports for me.   Rocco drove in one run and made a tremendous diving catch in rightfield.  He looks really strong and healthy.  He even shaved the over-grown beard.  He played five innings.  It was the best five innings I've seen in a long time.  I'm so very happy for him.  Welcome back Rocco!       

If you don't know Rocco's background story of why this return is so special, he was on the disabled list (DL) due to a metabolic and/or mitochondrial abnormality which caused extreme muscle fatigue.  In a press conference on March 12, 2008, Rocco stated, "I go out there and my body is literally spent after a short amount of time on the field, which makes it extremely frustrating and difficult, but it's something that's kind of a reality right now, and we're  dealing with the best we can.  As far as my baseball career, I'm not here to tell you I'm retiring.  We're still going to pursue any avenue that we can to try and figure out what is going on and have a better understanding of what is going on." 

That was a sad day for me.  I was sincerely disappointed when I heard Rocco was going on the DL.  At times, reports about his health were in question and the outlook was grime.  No one seem to know if he would be able to play again.  I continued to have faith and follow his progress.  I never gave up hope that I would  see him play again.  I really missed seeing Rocco at bat and in the
outfield.  I think he is one of the  greatest outfielder I've ever seen.  
                                                                                                                                                                                    Info & News
Have you ever seen Rocco run?  His stride is incredibly graceful.  And to see him run                                        About Rocco
down a ball and catch it, oh my goodness, it's quite the site.  He does it in one synchonized                        Rocco's Rays' Page 
fluid motion, it's a thing of beauty, I tell ya.  I enjoy watching highlights of his great plays.  He                Rocco's Moments
got the job done and did it in such a cool businesslike manner.  If you would like to see or                          Rocco's Return
hear some of Rocco's highlights, please click on the "Rocco's Moments" link.  One of  my                      Rocco's Catch 08/10
favorite moments is available for viewing.  It's when Rocco robbed Kevin Millar of a two                             Rocc-ing On 
RBI homer in Orioles Park at Camden Yards on May 10, 2007.   Poor Millaaah!                                                     Game Recap 06/16
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Game Recap 06/18
While Rocco was on the DL, he was attending the home games.  His presence in the dugout was             Rocco Proud of Rays
comforting to me.  I was lucky  to get the opportunity to see him  at almost every home  game.                              

Rocco has proved to be a fighter.  What a great person!   He is quite simply the best!  Unfortunately
Rocco is no longer with the Rays. 
                                                                                                                                                                                      
            
Spring Training 2008                Rays dugout at Safeco Field, Seattle.  Aug. 9, 2008

Rocco Baldelli rehabbing with Vero Beach Devil Rays
                                 
                                                
                                          Devil Rays Won                                                                     Ryan Royster, Rocco Baldelli, Wade Townsend

Rocco DH'ing in Extended Spring Training, June 11, 2008 

I took a much needed day off from work to go watch Rocco take his at bats during the final extended
spring  training game at the Naimoli Complex.  There were two separate games being played against
the Phillies.  I got there about a half an hour after the games started.  Thankfully, I remember to bring
a towel to sit on because it was freak'n hot!  On my drive over to the complex, I saw the temperature
flashing on a bank sign.  It read 91°, I think it was wrong because it felt way hotter than that.  Ohh, the
things I do for baseball and Rocco! 

I thought Rocco looked good.  He's making progress.  Seeing him at the plate again was definitely a

treat!  I am truly happy for him.  It was well worth a day off.  While Rocco was up to bat, I moved
closer take some pictures as did a few other people.  As we stood watching, almost in sync you
could hear us all saying, "come on, Rocco" ever so quietly.     

After Rocco took his at bat in the game 1, he moved on to game 2 which was being played on the back
field (3, I think).  Like the media in attendance (ok, so there was one ABC cameraman), I followed 
him on to the other field and took my place against a building that provided some (but not much)
shade.  Between Rocco's at bats, I watch a couple of catchers tossing the ball.  I'm impressed that
these guys can play in this heat with all their gear on.  Of course, they were drenched in sweat.  But
at that point, I think we all were.  Did I mention, it was freak'n hot?

 

Rocco made his move back to game 1 for his final at bat for the games.  Rocco was actually the last

person to bat in the final games at the Naimoli Complex.  Sadly, the team is moving their training

facilities to Port Charlotte.  After the game, Rocco signed autographs and was interviewed by the ABC
cameraman.  Of course, I stuck around in the sweltering heat to watch and listen.  Rocco is such a
charismatic person! 

Rocco will be moving on to the Vero Beach Devil Rays.  He is scheduled to DH on Monday, June 16, 2008,
Wednesday, June 18, 2008, and Friday, June 20, 2008.