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San Francisco Giants pitcher and Brawley native Sergio Romo holds the key to his hometown after it was presented to him by Brawley Mayor George Nava on Friday night before the Bell Game. At far right is Brawley City Councilman Don Campbell, holding a proclamation presented to Romo by state Assemblyman V. Manuel Perez. Behind Romo is his father, Frank, who is holding Romo's son Rilen Serge Romo. (JOSELITO VILLERO PHOTO / November 3, 2012) |
BRAWLEY — History was made Friday night as San Francisco Giants star pitcher and Brawley native Sergio Romo was presented the key to the city just moments before the annual Bell Game kicked off.
After successfully securing the 2012 World Series win for the San Francisco Giants against the Detroit Tigers on Sunday, Romo returned to his hometown to watch the Bell Game and bask in a little hometown glory.
“As far as I know it is the first key that has been awarded; we put it together really last-minute. We’re just excited for him,” Brawley Mayor George Nava said.
Always one to make an entrance, Romo, his son Rilen Serge Romo, his father, Frank Romo, and Nava arrived on the 50-yard line by helicopter.
“What a homecoming entrance. It was just a lot of pride in the eyes of Brawley residents. They were excited; we were excited,” Nava said.
“We could hear the screams through the helicopter windows,” he said.
Fellow Brawley councilmen also surrounded the group, along with Assemblyman V. Manuel Perez, and shared their own gratitude toward Romo and his help in putting the Valley on the map.
Romo even had councilman Ryan Kelley saying words he never thought he’d say.
“Romo, I’m a diehard Padre fan, but today I’m a Giants fan,” Kelley said.
Along with the award, Romo received an honoree Assembly Proclamation plaque from Perez for his work on and off the field.
With a smile that shined ear to ear, a thankful Romo expressed his own gratitude toward his hometown and the Valley.
“I just want to say thank you for never doubting me and my ability to be somebody. Thank you so very much,” Romo said to hundreds of Central and Brawley union high fans.
Spectators taking in the ceremony shared their own feelings toward Romo’s hometown victory.
“I thought it was pretty cool that he closed the World Series game and now he’s back in his hometown,” Stephanie Garcia, 13, of Westmorland said.
Brawley resident Mary Lopez, who knew Romo as child having worked with his mother, also enjoyed his entrance.
“It was nice to see him back home,” Lopez said.
Staff Writer Celeste Alvarez can be reached at 760-337-3442 or at calvarez@ivpressonline.com
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