Diamondbacks Honor Fallen Firefighters
#Dbacks wear Prescott Fire Department hats during batting practice to honor the lives of the fallen. #WEbackYarnell. pic.twitter.com/jnWAd9GbET
- Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) July 5, 2013
Goodness gracious! #Diamondbacks 50/50 jackpot total (where proceeds go to fallen firefighters) is nearing $100,000. pic.twitter.com/y3cKAgoTzz
- April Whitzman (@Alleycat17) July 6, 2013
Attempting to contain a wildfire which consumed more than 500 buildings across 8,300 acres northwest of Phoenix, 19 Yarnell firefighters lost their lives. Recognizing the devastating loss and their efforts, the Arizona Diamondbacks held a tribute for the lost heroes during Friday's game against the Colorado Rockies. A firefighters' bagpipe band played ''Amazing Grace,'' a 19-second period of silence was observed, both teams donned "Prescott Fire Department" caps during batting practice and a 50-50 raffle was held.
The raffle amassed $100,049 for those affected by the fire and broke a Diamondbacks record. The proceeds from the remaining games in the series will also be going towards the organization and the Diamondbacks had pledged to match the $100,000 in fans' donations. Throughout the rest of the season the Diamondback players will also don a special commemorative patch bearing the No. 19.
"We want them to know we're thinking of them," Brad Ziegler said. "It's unfortunate we have to do this, but at least this is a way we can show our support because those that were taken were heroes."