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Fallen Long Beach firefighter’s son fires off a Dodger Blue tribute

by in News

Sam Rosa, 16-year-old son of fallen Long Beach Fire Capt. David Rosa – an avid Los Angeles Dodgers fan – paid tribute to his dad by firing off the first pitch before Saturday’s game at Dodger Stadium.

  • Sixteen year-old Sam Rosa, right, son of fallen Long Beach Fire Capt. David Rosa, his mom Lynley, center, and older brother Alec are introduced prior to throwing of the ceremonial pitch prior to a Major League Baseball game between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Libby Cline-Birmingham)

  • Sixteen year-old Sam Rosa, son of fallen Long Beach Fire Capt. David Rosa — an avid Dodgers fan — throws out the ceremonial pitch prior to a Major League Baseball game between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Libby Cline-Birmingham)

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  • Sixteen year-old Sam Rosa, right, son of fallen Long Beach Fire Capt. David Rosa, talks with Justin Turner, left, after throwing out the ceremonial pitch prior to a Major League Baseball game between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Libby Cline-Birmingham)

  • Sixteen year-old Sam Rosa, right, son of fallen Long Beach Fire Capt. David Rosa, talks with Justin Turner, left, after throwing out the ceremonial pitch prior to a Major League Baseball game between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Libby Cline-Birmingham)

  • Sixteen year-old Sam Rosa, son of fallen Long Beach Fire Capt. David Rosa, throws out the ceremonial pitch prior to a Major League Baseball game between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Libby Cline-Birmingham)

  • Sixteen year-old Sam Rosa, son of fallen Long Beach Fire Capt. David Rosa, throws out the ceremonial pitch prior to a Major League Baseball game between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Libby Cline-Birmingham)

  • Sixteen year-old Sam Rosa, son of fallen Long Beach Fire Capt. David Rosa, gets a hug from his mom Lynley after throwing out the ceremonial pitch prior to a Major League Baseball game between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Libby Cline-Birmingham)

  • Sixteen year-old Sam Rosa, son of fallen Long Beach Fire Capt. David Rosa, throws out the ceremonial pitch prior to a Major League Baseball game between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Libby Cline-Birmingham)

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Sam’s father, a 17-year veteran of the Long Beach Fire Department, was killed June 25 by a gunman who allegedly set off an explosion in his apartment building in downtown Long Beach, then fired a revolver at firefighters responding to the blast.

Dodgers spokeswoman Naomi Rodriguez said the team contacted the Rosas with condolences when the tragedy happened, then arranged for the evening when officials learned the family members are fans of L.A.’s Major League Baseball boys in blue.

Television host Mary Hart and producer Burt Sugarman generously offered two suites for the Rosas, their friends and Long Beach firefighters to enjoy the game, Rodriguez said.

“We know how important the Dodgers are to our community and our fan base and we want the family to know that we love them and we are supportive of them right back,” Rodriguez said. “At this time of need, we want to bring a little light to their lives.”