On Saturday, Feb. 12, the Miami Palmetto Senior High School baseball team held their annual Blue and White game, which marked the beginning of their season. As a team scrimmage, the varsity team is split into two groups: the blue team and the white team. 

The game began at 10 a.m. at Coral Reef Park. University of Miami baseball announcer Jay Rokeach introduced each of the starting seniors on the Palmetto baseball team before introducing the new players on the 16 and Under Team, Junior Varsity team and the remainder of the Varsity team. 

For the first time in Palmetto history, Major League Baseball pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians Triston McKenzie threw out the first pitch, which was caught by Palmetto senior and catcher Will Silberberg. Then, Pinecrest mayor Joseph Corradino threw the ceremonial first pitch to start the game. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many traditional Palmetto events, such as the Blue and White Game, have not taken place in the past two years. As a result, many players — including Palmetto senior and pitcher Grant Kavalir — have not been able to take part in the tradition as much as they would have liked to. Kavalir has played on the team since his freshman year, and watched his older brother play in the Blue and White game for several years in a row. Therefore, the annual game has been a major part of his life for a long time. 

“This is my fourth time playing in the Blue and White game, and my third year on the Varsity team. The best part about the Blue and White game is seeing all the people that come out to support us,” Kavalir said. “Having the support of the community feels amazing. The atmosphere is back, and I can’t wait to see the turnouts for the games.” 

Moreover, the game’s cancellation for the past two years signifies that many underclassmen have not been able to participate in the event until this year. This holds true for Palmetto sophomore and shortstop Justin Corman. 

“This year was actually my first year playing in the Blue and White game because last year there was no game, and in my 8th grade year, the game wasn’t played by 8th graders. I was very excited to participate this year,” Corman said. 

Despite the inability to play for the last two years, the team has fought to bring the game back. This year, it was more than just a game to the team, as it marked the return of the supportive community of Palmetto baseball fans that the team relies upon. 

“The Blue and White game is significant to our team because it is a way for us to get introduced to the community, friends and family. It brings the team together and unifies us as one and gives us motivation and a chance to see all of our supporters,” Corman said. 

At the game, spectators had the opportunity to purchase typical ballpark food, such as hotdogs and hamburgers from concession stands. Spectators could also buy Palmetto baseball merchandise to support the team. The game’s positive and energetic environment reminded Palmetto baseball supporters of the reasons why they come out to support the team every year. 

The varsity team played three innings as opposed to the usual nine. With the rotation of several different pitchers — including Palmetto junior Troy Korvick and senior Grant Kavalir on the Blue team, and seniors Andrew Arias and Henry Forero on the White team — the game remained exciting and eventful. After the Varsity team played, the JV team took the field. 

With the beginning of the season, the Palmetto baseball team is scheduled to play their first official game against Terra Environmental Research Institute on Tuesday, Feb. 15 at 6:30 at South Dade Senior High. The next game will be on Thursday, Feb. 17 at 6:30 at South Dade High against South Miami Senior High.