Big Train Celebrate Grandparents Day, Host Special Guests in Doubleheader Sweep

Players Receiving the First Pitches by Mark Thalman

ROCKVILLE, Md. - The Bethesda Big Train celebrated Grandparents Day on Sunday at Shirley Povich Field with a doubleheader sweep of the D.C. Grays. The organization hosted Story Tapestries along with Promoworld. Promoworld sponsored a giveaway. Kids received a mini bat and sidewalk chalk after they arrived at the ballpark. 

Promoworld is a family-owned company that was established in 1994. The company provides promotional products for other businesses. 

“I grew up around this business my whole life,” Jonathan Routt said. “The company over the last years has grown quite a bit.”

Jonathan Routt grew up playing baseball in Maryland. He even said that he played baseball at St. John’s with Bruce Adams’ son. Jonathan Routt has loved that the company’s partnership with Adams and the Big Train has continued to evolve. 

Jessica Wallach attended the doubleheader on behalf of Story Tapestries. She explained that the company is an arts-based organization that is used to “promote creativity, problem solving and connection.”

“We work in high-needs communities to provide services that everyone should have,” Wallach said. “Art is a right. It is a part of mental health and wellness.”

Wallach was an artist for years before she joined Story Tapestries. Although she loved being an independent artist, she realized she could make a bigger impact if she joined the organization. 

“Art is a way into the world,” Wallach said. “Story Tapestries was doing that work in a much bigger way than I could do as an independent artist.” 

Kid participates in Story Tapestries activity

Wallach is excited about the opportunity to expand the organization’s arts and wellness program. 

“Art is as important as exercise for one’s health,” Wallach said. “It’s really exciting to be here to do artwork while watching [baseball].”

Jonathan Routt’s father, John Routt, founded Promoworld. John Routt joined his son in coming out to the Big Train contest. John Routt explained that they will sell to any company and tries to help companies prepare for big events. 

“The Big Train has always been a big event here in Bethesda, Maryland,” John Routt said. “We wanted to be a part of it. 

John Routt explained that they are proud of all of their products. They are willing to try everything and help the companies produce any type of product that would be beneficial for their own business. 

“If you can put your name on it, we can do it,” John Routt said. 

The Big Train will stay at home and return to action later today against the Alexandria Aces at 7 p.m.