On Monday, April 28, Parkdale’s baseball team delivered a landmark 6-4 win over Eleanor Roosevelt High school on Senior Night, ending a 21- year losing streak to one of their biggest rivals.
The game was filled with excitement, emotion, and determination as the Panthers gave everything they had to deliver a win not just for themselves, but for every Parkdale player who had faced Roosevelt before them.
The crowd was loud and energetic, filled with families, students, and teachers all there to celebrate the seniors. The game started competitively, with both teams trading runs in the beginning. Roosevelt came ready to play, but the Panthers showed they weren’t going to back down. The Panthers stayed focused and played smart, making key defensive plays, taking advantage of scoring opportunities.
“We knew these guys were coming to play, so we gave that same energy back to them,” said junior Jose Cruz. “ After 21 years, we were able to beat Roosevelt. And eventually we came out on top.”
This moment has been decades in the making, and the team has been preparing for it throughout the games leading up to this one. With practice and teamwork, they were able to come out on top.
“We have been grinding all season for games like this,” said sophomore Hector Diaz, who plays catcher and pitcher. “Everyone was locked in. We played like family out there.”
Although it was senior night, everyone put their part. The leadership and energy from the underclassmen and juniors helped push the Panthers to one of their biggest victories in decades.
“To get this win on [senior] night means everythings,” Cruz added. “ We wanted to send them out with something they’d never forget.”
As the players celebrated with their teammates and families after the final out, it was clear that this win meant more than just a number in the win column. It was a symbol of progress, pride, and what we can happen when a team believes in themselves.
The Panthers now turn their focus to finishing the season strong, fueled by the momentum of a long awaited victory.
