Robert Augustine Seidel III

West Point, 2004

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Dave Wantz III on February 5, 2007:

Emmitsburg Baseball & Softball Honors Local Hero On Saturday, May 20th, just before the Emmitsburg Red Sox played the Taneytown White Sox, the league held a ceremony to honor a local hero. Players, their family members, members of the league and others all wore yellow ribbons throughout the day to honor a former player. Robert Augustine Seidel, III was born on October 27, 1982 and was the oldest son of Robert and Sandy Seidel. At a young age Robbie knew he wanted to be a soldier. He graduated from Catoctin High School in 2000 and went on to graduate from The United States Military Academy at West Point in 2004. Robbie became a U.S. Army 1st Lieutenant and was a rifle platoon leader with the 22nd Infantry Regiment of the 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum, NY. He was also an Army Ranger qualified for air assaults. With an impeccable resume and exemplary qualifications it is obvious he was happy in his military career. Unfortunately, On Thursday, May 18th at the young age of 23, Robbie was killed in Iraq while serving his country. In a sad irony the league's opening day ceremony devoted the season to U.S. troops serving at home and abroad. While several local members of the Armed Forces were present and honored on opening day, the league also remembered and honored several local members of the community who could not be present. Sadly Robbie's name was first on the list of those who could not be present because he was serving in Iraq. Robbie was a fine athlete that played multiple sports including baseball. He played for the Emmitsburg Red Sox and was a devoted Boston Red Sox fan. During Saturday's ceremony the league president, Brian Holt, presented Robbie's brother, Steven Seidel with flowers and a card of sympathy. At that time the flag was lowered to half staff. It was announced the flag would remain at half staff, in Robbie's honor, for the remainder of the season. The teams and crowd pause for a moment of silence to once again honor the fallen soldier. This photo was taken at the center field fence in front of the flag pole - colors were flown at half mast in a memorial tribute to Robbie Siedel III, a native to Emmitsburg and former Little League Red Sox player. The yellow ribbons on the uniforms above were worn by the Red Sox and their opponents (Taneytown White Sox), as well as by all Emmitsburg teams playing in Emmitsburg that day - and many spectators as well. On a personal note, Dave began his coaching career with the Red Sox in 1994; Robbie was an 11 year old on the team at that time, along with Chris Wantz (Dave's cousin, who presently helps coach the Red Sox and was a classmate and personal friend to Robbie). Robbie's Dad was a coach at that time too; John Ridenour was the manager. The following season (spring 1995) when Robbie was 12 years old, his brother Stephen was on the Red Sox team as well. Robbie is more than a national hero and former little leaguer; he was a personal friend who will be missed greatly. Dave Wantz III, Manager, Emmitsburg Red Sox

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