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Pocono News Section
Hazleton's Joe Maddon Returns Home
Hazleton's Joe Maddon Returns Home - Tuesday, December 30, 2008 at 10:29PM EST
HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY- It was a huge night for baseball fans in our area. American League Manager of the Year and Hazleton native Joe Maddon came home. His stop had a special purpose though. He was here to raise money for his former high school.
After an impressive run to the World Series with the Tampa Rays, the pride of Hazleton, Joe Maddon, returned home to enthusiastic cheers Tuesday night. “This is quite amazing. It’s very humbling. It’s great," said Maddon.
Kids were on hand to sing while lawmakers were to hand out plaques. Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta said, “Joe left Hazleton, but he took the city of Hazleton with him. Again, it’s electrifying to see him come back to his hometown and alma mater."
And his alma mater, the "Castle," was the real reason for the visit. While it has been renovated into an elementary and middle school, the auditorium has sat bare. His visit will help make it a community arts center. “This building itself has nothing but warm memories. This particular room, particularly does. We had a great time here. There was also some tomfoolery upstairs on the catwalk, but I don't want to get into that," added Maddon.
Tuesday's event was free and everyone wanted an autograph. Maddon didn't mind. His sister Carmine Parlatore said, “This is the cherry on top. The whole season long. We were rooting for him. He made it. He did it and now he brought it all back home. We're so proud of him, it’s just been wonderful." | | |
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