Batter Up! Great Hearts Families Enjoy an Unforgettable Day at Chase Field

It was another great day for a ballgame at Chase Field, when almost 800 family members and friends of Great Hearts academies made their way to the stands to cheer on the Arizona Diamondbacks for Great Hearts Day. This partnered event with the D-backs has become a fun family tradition, offering a fun and affordable way for families to connect and celebrate a national pastime.

While it was a tough loss for our hometown team, Great Hearts Arizona Superintendent Brandon Crowe said it didn’t dampen the spirits of our great-hearted fans. “The Diamondbacks didn’t quite pull it out that day, but it’s alright. We went up to Milwaukee and caught the Brewers there, and we’re excited for a big playoff run,” said Crowe. “It was exciting to be able to be there together as a larger Great Hearts community.”

It was a great crowd at Chase Field, and all the extra festivities, music, and food made it a fantastic outing for all of our Great Hearts families. The fun wasn’t just on the field and in the stands. We also had an interactive booth on the concourse with staff ready to give information and answer questions from fans about Great Hearts.

But the most fun was had by students who entered and won special game-day experiences and giveaways. Families from Veritas won the chance to view the batting practice on the field, getting an exclusive vantage point of all the action. Fourteen students from several of our academies across the Valley got to stand on the field along the 3rd baseline during the singing of the National Anthem before the start of the game.

Three students were selected to compete in the Hot Dog Derby during the game. Christian from Cicero represented Mustard, while Bellamy from Veritas took on the role of Ketchup. However, it was Catalina, also from Veritas, who claimed victory as Relish.

Other prizes included D-backs promotional gifts and an autographed item, but perhaps the most notable and sought-after prize went to Samuel from Chandler, who was awarded the prestigious title of Honorary Captain for the game and was given the privilege to join the coaches, managers, and umpires on the field pre-game to deliver the official lineup card at home plate.

It was a great way for all of our individual academies to come together as a Great Hearts community, and a wonderful way for families to spend quality time together watching a game, eating hot dogs, cheering on the D-backs, and enjoying the national pastime.

“We were so grateful for the time that we had,” shared Crowe. “It was a wonderful time to connect with teachers, staff, families, and students. It was terrific!”

Watch for the next Great Hearts Day at Chase Field to be announced and join us for an another amazing experience with family and friends.

Do you have a story or know of a story that you would like to see featured at Great Hearts? Please contact jason.moore@greathearts.org.