April 29, 2019 at 02:52AM
The Rochester Red Wings celebrated deaf culture on Sunday during the game against the Pawtucket Red Sox.
The Flower City is home to one of the largest deaf communities in the country, which is why the Red Wings partnered with the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) and the Rochester School for the Deaf for the event.
"We try to be a lot more than just a baseball team," Red Wings General Manager Dan Mason said. "We try to be woven in the fabric of the community, so we're always looking to do promotions to attract every possible segment of our population here in Rochester."
Besides interpreters across the stadium, there was a "silent inning" and players wore a special jersey. The team's biggest cheerleader known well by long-time Red Wings fans also made an appearance.
Ogden Whitehead became "Recycleman" in 1995 before leaving the state in 2002, but not before solidifying his cheerleader legacy.
"When I'm really excited, I talk loud and it just happens," Whitehead said. "But during a football game, baseball game, I don't care. Let's go!"
Deaf himself, the Red Wing's special event Sunday was something Whitehead had always dreamed of.
"Something I really wanted when I worked here was this kind of day: where deaf people can assimilate into the community so they can be part, so people from different areas can take part in the game," Whitehead said.
He says inclusion is what creates a strong community and even stronger fans.
"When you know that you are part of something, you tend to fight for it, support it, and know that it can be better," Whitehead said.
The Rochester Red Wings celebrated deaf culture on Sunday during the game against the Pawtucket Red Sox.
The Flower City is home to one of the largest deaf communities in the country, which is why the Red Wings partnered with the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) and the Rochester School for the Deaf for the event.
"We try to be a lot more than just a baseball team," Red Wings General Manager Dan Mason said. "We try to be woven in the fabric of the community, so we're always looking to do promotions to attract every possible segment of our population here in Rochester."
Besides interpreters across the stadium, there was a "silent inning" and players wore a special jersey. The team's biggest cheerleader known well by long-time Red Wings fans also made an appearance.
Ogden Whitehead became "Recycleman" in 1995 before leaving the state in 2002, but not before solidifying his cheerleader legacy.
"When I'm really excited, I talk loud and it just happens," Whitehead said. "But during a football game, baseball game, I don't care. Let's go!"
Deaf himself, the Red Wing's special event Sunday was something Whitehead had always dreamed of.
"Something I really wanted when I worked here was this kind of day: where deaf people can assimilate into the community so they can be part, so people from different areas can take part in the game," Whitehead said.
He says inclusion is what creates a strong community and even stronger fans.
"When you know that you are part of something, you tend to fight for it, support it, and know that it can be better," Whitehead said.
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