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After losing her father on 9/11, a young Yankees fan built an unbreakable bond with Derek Jeter
Reuters • • general
Key Points:
- Brielle Saracini threw out the first ceremonial pitch at Yankee Stadium 25 years after her father, Victor Saracini, died in the 9/11 attacks when his hijacked flight hit the South Tower.
- The tragedy led to a close friendship between Saracini and Derek Jeter, her childhood idol, and also brought her together with her husband Sean McGuire, who lost his father in the same attack.
- Saracini and McGuire met at a camp for children who lost parents on 9/11, married in 2017, and participated in the pre-game ceremony together, with Saracini wearing a Mets jersey in a rare moment of cross-team unity.
- Jeter recalled how meeting 9/11 families, including Saracini, gave him perspective on his career, emphasizing the importance of giving people moments of joy amid tragedy; he has maintained contact with Saracini, supporting her through personal challenges like cancer.
- The ceremonial pitch and the Yankees-Mets Subway Series served as a powerful symbol of American resilience and the healing role of baseball following the September 11 attacks.
