Guilford Cheers on Adam Greenberg
When Adam Greenberg stepped up to the batters box Tuesday night in Miami, friends and family in his hometown of Guilford were glued to the television.
"It's so exciting," Ali Marottoli, Greenberg's mother-in-law, said.
Dozens gathered at the Guilford Mooring Restaurant to cheer on Greenberg, who was given a second chance in the Major's.
Veteran pitcher for the New York Mets, R.A. Dickey was on the mound. Greenberg struck out in just under a minute, but the moment had everyone in Guilford on their feet.
"I was nervous, so I can only imagine him in the batters box," Christian Conti, Greenberg's childhood friend and former little league teammate, said.
Family and friends all wore special t-shirts that read 'One at Bat' with Greenberg's name and the date.
The event was two-fold for this group. They were also raising money to help fight lung cancer, something Greenberg's sister-in-law has been battling for five years.
"I'm proud," Melissa Marottoli-Hogan said. "He's worked hard. He deserves it."
The Miami Marlins signed Greenberg to a one-day contract to pinch hit, seven years after he was struck in the head by a 92 mile per hour fast ball during his first at bat.
"They'll have stories to tell their children and their grandchildren," Ali Marottoli said. "This is history."
Friends hope to celebrate with Greenberg when he returns home to Guilford.
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