One of the coolest days ever happened recently when my mom
and I played hooky from school and went to the WM Phoenix
Open. It was my first time ever, and I was lucky enough to go
on the Pro Am day when celebrities play with the pro golfers.
My mom’s friend, Kaley O’Kelley from ABC15 was volunteering
that day. She was working with Kevin Sonoda, who helps lead
all the volunteers at the Open. We found them walking with
Merrill Kelly from the Arizona Diamondbacks and Trey McBride
from the Arizona Cardinals, who were both playing that day
along with Jacoby Brissett!
Kevin and Kaley let me walk the green with the guys. I am a
huge D-backs fan, so walking next to Merrill Kelly felt unreal.
I’m a pitcher just like him.
What made it even better was how nice Merrill was. He actually
talked to me. He even told me he hoped he would see me
again later that day. I thought that was awesome!
About an hour later, Kevin told Kaley to text my mom because
they had a surprise for me on the 13th hole. When I got there,
they somehow had a baseball. How did they find a baseball on
the golf course?!!! They arranged this to help me celebrate my
birthday, and right there on the 13th green, Merrill Kelly signed
it for me.
I showed Merrill my pitching motion, and he told me my follow
through was great. That meant a lot to me. After that, I walked
with him again, and it felt like we were just hanging out.
To top the day off, we got to walk under the tunnel and onto the
The 16th hole. There was a DJ, tons of people, and so much
noise. It was a huge party! I stood right behind the guys while
they took their swings: Trey McBride, Archie Bradley, and
Merrill all on the 16th. It was loud, fun, and something I will
never forget.
Everyone was so nice. They made the day unforgettable. I
wanted to write about it mostly to thank Kevin and Kaley. I will
always remember my first time at the WMPO. Pro-Am day is
the best, especially because now I have a new friend in Merrill.
