May 20th, 2010

BABSON PARK – Two former professional athletes spoke – and played – with a big crowd of fathers and students who turned out for Babson Park’s final All Pro Dads event of the school year.

More than 80 students and their fathers gathered to hear former Major League Baseball star Jason Romano and former National Hockey League goalie Pat Jablonski. Dale R. Fair Babson Park Elementary invited the retired athletes as part of the school’s ongoing series of All Pro Dads programs.

Romano played for teams including the Tampa Bay Rays and the Cincinnati Reds. He opened the night by discussing the importance of getting outside and being active. He encouraged students to utilize their dads and coaches as teaching tools to better their game.

Jablonski was the inaugural goalie for the Tampa Bay Lightning. He also encouraged students to put away their electronics and spend more time practicing the games they love to play.

Students were divided into groups of upper and lower grades. The groups were paired with Jablonski and Romano for scrimmage games of field hockey and baseball.

“Each pro gave students tips on how to improve and become better team players,” said Principal Ken Henson. “Dads enjoyed watching from the sidelines and a few even got into the games!”

After the scrimmages, both Jablonski and Romano autographed pictures they brought for each student who attended.

All Pro Dad is a national “fatherhood program” with 54 National Football League spokesmen, multiple events with NFL teams, 1,000 All Pro Dad’s Day chapters and partners like PTA.

PHOTO #1: Former National Hockey League player Pat Jablonski mixes it up during a field hockey game with Babson Park students.

PHOTO #2: Former Major League Baseball player Jason Romano pitches to Babson Park Gnat Blair Bowen during a scrimmage game at the school.

PHOTO #3: More than 80 students and dads turned out for the final All Pro Dads event of the school year at Dale R. Fair Babson Park Elementary School.