Marlins visit school, give supplies to students

MIAMI -- During back-to-school week, students at Lenora B. Smith Elementary School were greeted by some special visitors on Wednesday morning.

Marlins chief executive officer Derek Jeter and president of baseball operations Michael Hill, along with a handful of players helped hand out school supplies to students.

The school visit is part of Marlins Impact Week, which coincides with the start of the school year.

“It means a lot,” Jeter said. “It means a lot to our ownership group. It means a lot to our players.”

When the students entered the classroom, they were greeted by Marlins first baseman Garrett Cooper, as well as Fox Sports Florida analyst Jeff Nelson and television play-by-play announcer Paul Severino, and mascot, Billy the Marlin.

Other players taking part were Harold Ramirez, Jarlín García, Austin Brice and Tyler Kinley. They each handed out pens, pencils, notebooks and other school-related items.

Former Marlins first baseman and current FS Florida analyst Gaby Sanchez, who grew up in Miami, was active in interacting with the children.

“We said from Day 1, we want to get back out here in the community,” Jeter said. “We know this organization has historically done a lot in the community. We want to have an impact in our own way.”

While the players wore their jerseys, Jeter, Hill and staff wore light blue T-shirts with #MarlinsImpact on the back.

“Seven events in seven days is part of Impact Week,” Jeter said. “It’s a good way for us to reintroduce the foundation.”

Lenora B. Smith Elementary is three miles north of Marlins Park.

“For us, we feel when you have this platform to give back, you should do so in a positive manner,” Jeter said. “We just want to be good neighbors. Like I’ve said time and time again, this is the community’s baseball team. This is their organization, and we want them to feel a part of it.”

The Marlins contingent spent two hours at the school.

“When you look at their smiling faces when they come through these lines and get these school supplies, it makes your day,” Jeter said.