Ghost-hero: Long-time resident to be honored with parade Sunday

WOONSOCKET – Sonia Negrón says her dad is a “ghost hero,” known to those inside the community for the deeply positive impact he’s made there, but unknown to those outside that community.

For about the last 12 of the 19 years he’s lived in Woonsocket, Ramón Negrón has dedicated his time and energy to the young, mostly Spanish-speaking people in his Morin Heights neighborhood by hosting a community softball team. Known as “Don Ramón,” he’s earned the Spanish honorific through years of coaching and mentorship.

“He maintains his mind focusing on some good, on softball,” Negrón. “My dad gives the opportunity to these people.”

Negrón said Ramón was never one to distinguish by blood when it came to showing love and care, on the field or off. Ramón put a bat in his grandson’s hands when he was only two or three years old, Negrón said, and now, at age 15, he’s one of the best pitchers on his school’s team, already attracting interest from recruiters.

Negrón herself is not Ramón’s biological daughter, but she said he’s always loved her the same way he’s loved his biological sons.

“He decided to be my dad and I’m so, so, so grateful for the way he cared for me,” she said.

Now, as he faces a recurrence of pancreatic cancer, Negrón said it’s time to show the community’s appreciation for the impact Ramón has had. Along with some of Ramón’s players, Negrón organized a parade with music and signs in front of his house.

When she pitched the idea to the players, she said they jumped on the chance to honor Don Ramón. One player ordered a plaque, and another got a customized miniature baseball bat with Ramón’s name and a Bible verse on it. Even players from an opposing team agreed to take part in the event, Negrón said, and City Council Vice President Valerie Gonzalez has been helping to spread the word along with some of the city’s church leaders.

“For me, it’s an honor to recognize my dad,” Negrón said. “I’m so proud of him.”

The parade will take place on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. at 59 Morin Heights.