The Diamondbacks announced Monday that 15-year-old Joseph Giacinto will perform the national anthem on the team's opening day game.
Joe Giacinto was born blind and taught himself how to play the clarinet.
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) March 9, 2020
His dream is to play the National Anthem at a #Dbacks game.
He'll be living that dream on Opening Day. pic.twitter.com/pvb4TViFR6
The announcement came shortly after ABC15 first spoke with Joseph, learning more about his musical ambitions as a teenager.
Joseph started playing clarinet three years ago but he's always been musically inclined. Emily Giacinto, Joe's mom, said, "He picks it up so quickly and loves it so much." It takes Joe only two listens to replicate a song perfectly without seeing any sheet music. "I listen to a song and while I'm listening to it my brain creates of picture of me playing," explained Joe.
Listening is the only way Joe can learn. He was born with Septo-optic dysplasia leaving Joe without any sight. "He had a lot of health problems as a baby and was in and out of the hospital so musical was always calming, soothing and something we could turn to," said Emily.
Joseph says he's been practicing since May, hoping his preparation would pay off.
The Diamondbacks' opening day game is set for Thursday, March 26 at 7:10 p.m. against the Atlanta Braves.
Super excited for Joe Giacinto to to play the Anthem on Opening Day! What a thrill , can’t wait to meet you for the @Dbacks home opener. https://t.co/gc99Wge14c
— Luis Gonzalez (@Luisgonzo20) March 9, 2020
