Parkland, Baseball Parks and Cutting Out the B.S.
Cardboard cutouts have been taking the place of fans at many an MLB stadium this summer. One of those fans is showing up again and again. And it’s worth taking note.
Joaquin Oliver was one of the victims of the Parkland Shooting. The Stoneman Douglas student was 17 years old when he was shot and killed outside his creative writing class in February of 2018. Oliver, known to his friends as “Guac,” loved the game of baseball and had recently made a habit of summer touring to new parks with his father. Now, his best friend and dad Manuel Oliver is paying ode to his son’s love of the game, while hoping to deliver an even bigger message around gun violence and spark action.
Here’s Jeremy Schapp sharing a bit more about the inspiration, the initiative and the intent, as part of his close for a recent episode of ESPN’s Outside the Lines.
Joaquin Oliver was shot to death at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018. He loved baseball. This summer his parents are honoring his memory by placing his cardboard likeness at major league stadiums. My parting shot for @otlonespn... pic.twitter.com/cKw40GZNUv
— Jeremy Schaap (@JeremySchaap) September 12, 2020
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Creativity at its best can generate conversation and dialogue around important and meaningful topics. And often, the simplest creative is the most powerful.
Meaningful conversations can conceivably lead to meaningful change. As a result of the Oliver family’s effort, media outlets are talking notice. More clubs are looking to put Joaquin in the seats of their stadiums. People are writing, reading, sharing and posting. Broader action is still to be determined.
Viva, Guac.
