From inside the tunnel, I could see the sea of humanity―people cheering and waving their white towels.  As I looked around me, I could see me and 70 other people holding onto part of an oversized American flag and we all had the same purpose: we were bringing out the flag for the Tigers’ baseball game.

It was by pure chance that I was asked if I wanted to participate.  For me, it was a no-brainer.  I was able to bring the flag out for The Star Spangled Banner, unfurl it, make it wave during the anthem and bring it back in.  As the child of immigrants, carrying the symbol of what my parents came here for was the biggest honor.

The man that gave us instruction before the game (I was one of the people that missed rehearsal) explained that normally military people bring out the flag.  He told us what to do and gave the most important instruction: when you hold the flag taut, stop for about five or ten seconds and just soak it all in.  How many people can say that they have had 40,000 thousand people wave at them?

As I waited what seemed like an eternity, I had to do everything possible to calm the nerves.  As I looked out of the tunnel, it reminded of the fighters in Warrior coming out for their fights.  No lie―I was starting to hop up and down like a fighter.  One of my friends had to say something.  He told me with a chuckle, “Man, you look like you’re getting ready to fight.”

I was around the middle of the bottom side of the flag.  As a result, I barely noticed the order to start walking out.  I saw people starting to move and followed.  After all, I didn’t come to the practice, so I followed the advice to do what my neighbor did.  My teasing friend stood across from me.

The first few steps onto the field were magical.  How many people can say that they’ve stood on a ballpark’s field? For a brief second, I remember my childhood dreams of playing pro ball.  This was the closest that I’ve come to that and it was magical.  The first few steps onto the grass was even more amazing.  A couple of more steps was left before I helped to unfurl the flag.

Just like my wedding, the final moment was like a big blur.  Since I had to walk backwards as I unfurled the flag, I had a hard enough time doing my job without having to fall on my face in front of 40,000 people.

Walking back through the tunnel was a happy letdown.  The game—the reason that we were there—was starting.  We each grabbed a part of the flag and walked as a team.  We were united in the rare experience that not many people share.  I don’t think that there was a single person that didn’t view it as a huge opportunity and honor.  Certainly not me.

Author: José A. Rodríguez
Image: Renée Rodríguez
Video: Tony Anderanin