Last Saturday, The Greensboro Grasshoppers (28-40 overall) faced off against the Asheville Tourists for the eighth time this season. Although the team is rated third in the South-North Division of the South Atlantic League, fans continue to travel to First National Bank Field and cheer on the team.
Sarah, a longtime fan, said she has supported the team years before they were noted as the Grasshoppers.
“I’ve been coming to Grasshoppers games since before they were Grasshoppers,” she said. “I went to see the Bats (1979–1993) and the Hornets (1994–2004). I’ve been watching them for years.”
Sarah also said her favorite memory while supporting the Grasshoppers was watching the team win the playoffs.
“At the end of the game, it was a walk-off home run and the last of the night that won the game, and everybody went crazy,” she said.
During the bottom of the first inning, designated hitter Dariel Lopez hit a grand slam, immediately putting the Grasshoppers at a four-point lead. The Grasshoppers finished strong, winning their game with a score of 14-10. Pitcher Domingo Gonzalez (#31) struck out six players in 2⅓ innings, and Eddy Yean (#37) pitched for the last three innings and closed out the game.
After the game, the Grasshoppers treated fans to an explosive fireworks show, and infielder Jackson Glenn came back onto the field to talk to young fans and sign memorabilia. As the Grasshoppers head into the rest of their season, it is clear that fans will continue to show their support.
Bella Pelini and Jashiya Maynard also contributed to this story.
Olivia Ruiz was born and raised in New York City and is a student at The Beacon School. She has a strong passion for writing and social justice and has explored both interests throughout high school as a staff writer for her school’s newspaper and council member of the Young Women’s Advisory Council. Olivia also is a member of the Girl Scouts of Greater New York, where she conducts community outreach projects within her neighborhood. In college, Olivia plans to major in English literature or sociology.