en-us Copyright 2008 - All Rights Reserved. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:02:45 GMT 15 By Jamie Mostert
Maxina Danner’s number, 18, was retired as the 2005 softball season began. Three versions of jersey number 18 exist, and as of the 2005 softball season, are all retired. Two of the three jerseys, the black one, worn during away games as well as the white and red pin-striped home game jersey were given to Danner’s family at the time of her death. The red jersey, also worn during away games is framed, and signed by fellow players on the team at the time of her death. This framed red jersey was retired for good on March 17th, 2005 at the Lincoln vs. Burton girls softball game held at Parkside field at a small ceremony before the game began and was given to Danner’s family. On the afternoon of March 17th, 2005, the girls of Abraham Lincoln High School’s softball team ran, stretched, practiced throwing, practiced hitting and did everything they could to warm up for the game. But before the Lincoln girls could make any play, or hit any home run, they had the honor of retiring number 18 forever and giving Danner’s family a framed jersey in her memory through a small ceremony at home base. The small, but emotional ceremony began by coach Kevin Grayson and team captain Claudia Li saying a few words about Danner and her legacy she left behind, before giving the jersey to Danner’s family. SF Youth Sports television show attended to tape not only the game but as well as the ceremony, along with Danner’s close family and friends, and past and present softball teammates. Danner’s family was filled with emotion, grief and memories of Danner. Danner, better known as Snookie, joined the softball team during her freshmen year at Abraham Lincoln High School where she played catcher throughout her three years on the team. Danner was always involved with the team, she always made time for it, rarely missed a game, and kept her grades up. She was also a friend to every girl on the team, she was always there when someone needed her. When Danner’s life came to a close in late September of 2004, the Lincoln community were not the only ones in shock, disbelief, and sorrow, but as well as the entire Lincoln community and city of San Francisco. Her memory and legacy of being a smart, and caring girl of softball lives on today as every game the girls of Lincoln’s softball team plays. “The retirement ceremony is to help keep Maxina’s memory alive”, head coach Kevin Grayson said. ]]> Tue, 12 Apr 2005 21:09:00 GMT