The afternoon began with a quiet moment on the field at Desert Sunrise High School as members of the American Legion color guard marched toward home plate carrying the American flag. 

The presentation of the colors preceded the national anthem, setting the tone before players took their positions and the game began. 

Color guard commander Kerry Stillwell said the group regularly participates in ceremonies across the community when invited. 

“We don’t show up anywhere without being asked,” she said. “Whenever we can present the colors for an occasion, it’s a very prideful moment for us.” 

Delaney served 26 years in the Navy and remains active in the local veterans community. He currently helps oversee efforts connected to the Veterans Memorial Project. 

“It was a great opportunity,” he said. “I really appreciated getting that honor to throw the baseball.” 

Though Delaney joked the pitch bounced once before reaching the catcher — a “cricket pitch,” he laughed — the moment still carried meaning for the longtime baseball fan. 

A former high school player who later coached youth baseball, Delaney said he was grateful to take part in the pregame ceremony and support the local team. 

“I thought that was kind of neat,” he said. 

Delaney stayed through the first inning and said the energy from players, coaches and fans stood out. 

“Great fans, great coaches and players. It was just an enjoyable experience,” he said. 

For Delaney, the moment reflected something he has come to appreciate about the community. 

“It’s typical Maricopa,” he said. “They reach out to the veteran community all the time.”