Seattle's Child

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perfect summer day bruce harrell

Mayor Bruce Harrell. Photo courtesy of The Office of the Mayor.

A perfect summer day: A baseball game to remember

A summer memory from Mayor Bruce Harrell

Growing up in the Central District, I spent summers enjoying Seattle’s parks. As a student at T.T. Minor all the way through Garfield, from Powell Barnett to Pratt Park, playfields were a home away from home. Park programming and community investments in the form of time and mentorship put me on track for success. Later, as an adult, I brought those same lessons to South Seattle kids and my own children as a volunteer coach.Ā 

One afternoon, when I was about 10 years old, I recall playing left field in a baseball game at Miller Park. My brother and I were on the same team, and my cousin was on the other side up to bat ā€“ our family must have taken up half the bleachers. With the crack of the bat, my cousin hit what was surely a home run ā€“ until it connected with my glove!Ā 

The reaction from the crowd, also known as my aunt, uncle, and parents, was something else. That one out ā€“ an impressive leaping grab, if I do say so myself ā€“ sparked a back-and-forth that began in the bleachers and didnā€™t end until everyone went home after dinner. My aunt and uncle said I should have dropped the ball so my cousin could have hit a home run ā€“ however, my loyalty was to my brother not my cousin, of course! That day brought us closer together ā€“ in competition and conversation, in bond and banter.Ā 

On many perfect summer days, Seattle parks offer a place to play sports, grow, and give back to our community ā€“ timeless activities available to all this summer. As mayor, it’s my honor to ensure our world-class public parks are places of adventure and exercise, outdoor classrooms, and welcoming safe havens. I encourage everyone to make the most of their summer spending some perfect days at our Seattle Parks.Ā 

Mayor Bruce Harrell served on the Seattle City Council from Ā 2008 to 2020 and was elected the 57th mayor of Seattle in 2021.Ā 

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About the Author

Mayor Bruce Harrell