Honoring History

Threshers Accepting Nominations For Local Military Heroes

April 23, 2015

Heroes to be Honored at Veterans and Military Appreciation Night on August 15

CLEARWATER, Fla. – The Clearwater Threshers are accepting nominations for local veteran and active-duty military heroes to be honored at Veterans and Military Appreciation Night on August 15 at Bright House Field. The evening is presented by Bosley and Bratch, Lawyers for Veterans. The night will feature on-field ceremonies, military vehicles and equipment on display, a silent auction and vendors on the concourse.

The Threshers are asking for nominations of local military personnel, both active and veteran, to be featured in a baseball card set of 30 heroes that will be given away to guests as they enter the ballpark. A total of 1,000 card sets will be distributed, presented by First Priority. Heroes selected for the card set, or their representatives, will be honored on the field prior to the game.

Nominations should include the heroes’ name, rank, status, branch, years of service, and a short career bio. A photo of the nominee for the front of the baseball card should also be included.

Veterans and Military Appreciation Night is in its fifth year at Bright House Field. Representatives from the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard will be on-hand for the evening. Many veterans groups and support organizations will also participate.

The gates will open at 5 p.m. on August 15 for the 6:30 p.m. game against the Tampa Yankees, followed by a post-game fireworks display. A portion of the proceeds from the evening will benefit two local charities, the Haley House Fund and the Injured Warriors Fund. For ticket information, visit the Bright House Field ticket office or call 727-467-4457.

CONTACT

Hero nominations: Cory Sipe – csipe@threshersbaseball.com

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Clearwater Threshers. Click here to view the original story.

Spinners Partner on “The Art of Baseball”

April 15, 2015

Concord Museum exhibit opens Friday, April 17

LOWELL, MASS. – The Lowell Spinners, Class A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, are pleased to announce their partnership with the Concord Museum on The Art of Baseball, which opens to the public Friday, April 17 and runs through Sunday, September 20.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Concord Museum on this wonderful exhibition which really captures the essence of why baseball is the national past time,” said Spinners President and General Manager Tim Bawmann. “From the actual artwork to the program of events scheduled, this exhibition will be a great way to further the relationship of the game with baseball fans.”

The exhibition includes nearly 50 works of fine and folk art from The Gladstone Collection of Baseball Art, a private New York collection that has been gathered over the past 40 years, as well as Boston Red Sox artifacts from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and historian, Concord resident and lifelong baseball fan Doris Kearns Goodwin is the Honorary Curator.

Included amongst the display items includes a Ted Williams glove from the 1946 season and World Series on loan from the National Baseball Hall of Fame plus artifacts from the 2013 World Series season.

Among the programs and events scheduled include a meet & greet with local author, Matt Tavares, on June 4, Vintage Baseball games with the Lowell Base Ball Club (1877-78) and Lynn Live Oaks on May 2 and July 18, a special Sports Memorabilia Appraisal Day with Leila Dunbar and more.

“These events are a fantastic opportunity for baseball fans young and old to experience the history of the game,” said Bawmann. “We are honored to be a part of this great exhibition.”

The Concord Museum is where all of Concord’s remarkable past is brought to life through an inspiring collection of historical, literary and decorative arts treasures, including the 1775 Revere lantern and Henry Thoreau’s Walden desk. The Art of Baseball exhibit will be open to the public beginning Friday, April 17 with admission $10 for adults, seniors and students $8 and youth (6-18) $5. Kids six and under are free.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lowell Spinners. Click here to view the original story.

San Jose Giants’ Unveil 2015 Salute to the Military Trading Card Set

April 7, 2015

Willie Mays headlines group of honorees that include every branch of the military

San Jose, CA– The San Jose Giants unveiled today their 2015 Salute to the Military Trading Card Set, presented by Operation: Care and Comfort. All branches of the United States Military are represented in the set. In addition, the trading cards include current military personnel, individuals killed in action as well as veterans from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and Gulf Wars. Included in the set are San Francisco Giants Hall of Fame outfielder Willie Mays, who served in the Army during the 1950’s, as well as heroic Navy Seal, and author of the book Lone Survivor, Marcus Luttrell. The following is a complete list of all selections for the 2015 San Jose Giants Military Trading Card Set:

Willie Mays, Marcus Luttrell, Harold E. Adams, Alvaro G. Alvarado, Andrews Family, Vanessa Barquero, Nicholas P. Barthel, Ernest Bizzozero, Joseph Bojo, Paris Cervantes, Tomas Cortez, Donald Crawford, Milan Dungjen, Peter Filice, Miguel Gastelo, Gary Ginestra, Michael R. Gomez, Mike C. Gomez, Keffer Family, Rob Knepper, Travis Layfield, Edward Moss, Nick Nardolillo, Robert Orum, Earl Orum, Jerimy Y. Pickering, John G. Rally, Jimmie C. Ruiz, Romeo Delos Santos, Tipi Soli, Louis P. Swan and Brothers, Garrett C. Unruh, Teryl G. Vogler, James R. West and Henry Zatarain.

“It is truly an honor to have San Francisco Giants legend Willie Mays and national hero Marcus Luttrell join these amazing brave men and women in our 2015 Salute to the Military Trading Card Set, presented by Operation: Care and Comfort,” said Juliana Paoli, San Jose Giants Chief Marketing Officer. “For the second straight year, we received an incredible number of stories of the heroes among us and we want to thank everyone who submitted a nomination. We feel privileged to have each of the honorees in our set and hope that they will help remind people of all the brave men and women who have protected and are still protecting our country.”

The sets will be given away to the first 1,000 fans through the gates on Salute to the Military Night on April 18. The game will be an entire evening dedicated to honoring the brave men and women defending our country. The pregame festivities will include a first pitch ceremony, color guard presentation and on-field recognition of the individuals chosen for the 2015 Military Trading Card Set. The team will also wear special military themed jerseys and don these jerseys again on Memorial Day, May 25, where they will be part of an in-game silent auction directly benefiting Operation: Care and Comfort. On May 25, each of the highest bidders will be able to go on the field following the game and receive their new autographed jersey right off the respective San Jose Giant’s back.

“It is a privilege for Operation: Care and Comfort to be a part of this promotion and we want to thank our partners BAE Systems, USAA and the San Jose Rotary Club Military Care Package Committee for helping make the set possible,” said Julie DeMaria, Operation: Care and Comfort President and Co-Founder. “The trading card set is a memorable way to honor the brave men and women who serve our country and the individuals who make up this set not only span generations, but are a tremendous representation of the heroes in our community.”

First pitch for the San Jose Giants home opener will take place at 7:00 PM on Thursday, April 16 against the Bakersfield Blaze. Opening Night festivities include postgame fireworks presented by State Farm, magnet schedule giveaway to the first 4,000 fans, San Francisco Giants World Champion Affiliate Flag Raising Ceremony and a historic first pitch that Giants fans will not want to miss! The Giants will host games at Municipal Stadium on Mother’s Day (May 10), Memorial Day (May 25), and Independence Day (July 4). For information on the 2015 season and ticket packages please visit sjgiants.com, call (408) 297-1435 or stop by the Municipal Stadium Box Office Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the San Jose Giants. Click here to view the original story.

Local Military Members Honored In Squirrels Card Set Giveaway

March 25, 2015

The Richmond Flying Squirrels, Double-A affiliate of the World Champion San Francisco Giants, are excited to announce they are currently accepting nominations for their inaugural Military Card Set Giveaway on May 26^th presented by Verizon. The trading card set will be comprised solely of current or former members of the military that have been nominated by fans. Nominations will be accepted through April 10^th online at www.squirrelsbaseball.com or at any Verizon Wireless Store in Central Virginia. Military card sets will be distributed to the first 2,000 fans on May 26^th at The Diamond. Gates open on May 26^th at 5:30PM and a pre-game ceremony to honor all Military members will take place before the first pitch against Harrisburg. SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATIONS HERE

“We have always had strong a place in our heart for our Military personnel and all they do to protect our freedom and allow us to do what we do for and in our community,” Said Squirrels VP & COO Todd “Parney” Parnell. “We could not be more pleased to highlight these heroes in this commemorative and limited edition card set.

Any questions regarding the Military Card Set Giveaway can be directed to erin.mcdonald@squirrelsbaseball.com. The Flying Squirrels 2015 season begins on Thursday, April 9^th. Single-Game tickets are currently on sale at The Diamond, over the phone and online. Opening Night April 9^th will feature the Squirrels first eve dueling fireworks and dueling piano show. For a full list of the 2015 season promotions, visit www.squirrrelsbaseball.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Richmond Flying Squirrels. Click here to view the original story.

Cutters Looking for Local Military Heroes

March 11, 2015

For the second year in a row, the Williamsport Crosscutters are partnering with Williamsport Mason’s Lodge #106, & Webb Weekly to salute local heroes on Military Appreciation Night, July 3 at Susquehanna Bank Park when the Cutters host the Auburn Doubledays at 7:05pm.

As part of the night, the first 1,000 fans will receive a 20-card set featuring local Military Heroes courtesy of MasonicTemple Assocation of Williamsport, & Webb Weekly.

“We had such a great response to this last year, that it just made sense to do it again in 2015 and honor more of our local heroes,” stated Gabe Sinicropi, the Cutters Vice-President of Marketing and Public Relations.

Fans are asked to nominate local Military Heroes for possible inclusion in the card set. Nominees can be an active or retired member of any branch of the service.

Nomination forms will be printed in Webb Weekly on March 18 and 25 as well the April 1 and 8 editions. Forms can also be downloaded by visiting crosscutters.com or picked up at the Crosscutters offices at Susquehanna Bank Park.

Those who are included in the card set will be invited to the July 3 game, honored on the field and presented with their own 8″x10″ copy of their card. Those who are deceased will be represented by their family.

The deadline for nominations is April 24. All nomination forms must be accompanied by a photo. Electronic photos are preferred but not required. All photographs will be returned.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Williamsport Crosscutters. Click here to view the original story.

Kraras Named Ceremonial Flag Service Honoree for Opening Night

March 11, 2015

Local business leader and World War II Veteran Gus Kraras will be celebrated on Opening Night as part of the Ceremonial Flag Service.

Celebration of local business leader and World War II veteran kicks off 2015 Ceremonial Flag Service

Local business leader and World War II veteran Gust “Gus” Kraras will be honored April 17th on Fightins Opening Night as part of the Savage61 Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Ceremonial Flag Service Honoree. Kraras’ celebration on Opening Night kicks off the Ceremonial Flag Service for the 2015 season.

In 1950, FirstEnergy Stadium was built as a memorial to the veterans of our community. To bring even more attention to this, a ceremonial flag flies in front of America’s Classic Ballpark at each home game to honor one specific veteran. For the 2015 season, living World War II veterans, in addition do any veterans that have passed, may be honored with the Ceremonial Flag Service. The addition of living World War II honorees is new for 2015 , and on Opening Night, Gus Kraras will become the first of what the Fightins hope will be many World War II veterans to be honored at the ballpark this season.

“The ceremonial flag honoring a veteran became an important, and emotional part of the Fightins game presentation in 2014”, said Fightins General Manager Scott Hunsicker. “In 2015, we really want to engage the families of World War II veterans, and honor these brave men and women. When discussing what World War II veteran should be the first to be honored on Opening Night, we immediately thought of Gust Kraras. He’s a great man. His dedication and contributions to our country and our community are incredible. Plus, he actually sold hot dogs here at the ballpark when it first opened in 1951! We are so excited to honor Gust Kraras on Opening Night, and we invite all the families of World War II Veterans to please contact us so we can honor your loved one as well.”

Born in 1921, Kraras immigrated to the United States in 1938 from Greece when he was just 17 years old. He was living in Nashville during the Pearl Harbor attacks, and a day later, he decided to volunteer into the United States, but wasn’t able to since he wasn’t yet a citizen. He overcame this issue by requesting his draft board to advance his draft number and shortly thereafter, was in the Army and assigned to the Field Artillery.

In 1943, Kraras asked to be transferred to the newly-formed Greek Battalion at Camp Carson, Colorado. Nearly 300 volunteered to be sent on a special mission to occupied Greece and from that, only 173 men and 10 officers were sent. That group was part of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), which later evolved into what we now know as the CIA.

Following their extensive training, Kraras and the rest of the Greek Battalion was sent to Cairo, Egypt. On their second day, his group was picked as one of the two that received paratrooper training. Because of Army regulations at the time, Kraras and his party had to volunteer to become paratroopers. The next day, the selected troops went to the then-Palestine to attend British Paratrooper School. In the U.S. Army Paratrooper Schools, training typically lasted 90 days. Kraras training at the British Paratrooper School lasted just three days and five jumps.

Now in Greece, Kraras’ platoon’s missions were all very similar. They would be responsible for blocking highways and waiting for German convoys. Once they would find a convoy, they would dismantle the first and last truck using bazookas and then take on the convoy with everything they had. They would then take off up through the mountains and hide as Germans would attempt to find them-they never did.

Kraras was honorably discharged on November 15, 1945 and he took up residence in Reading where his brother John lived with his family. He went into business with his brother and later, opened up several restaurants in the Reading area and in Wildwood, New Jersey. The Kraras family went on to own and operate numerous restaurants and hotels in the seaside town for over five decades.

He met his wife Stella Dialectos upon returning from the war and married in 1946. They had three children: Chris Kraras, Angel Kraras Cammarano, and Patricia Kraras Donahue. Gus is still involved actively in his business ventures and church community in the Reading and Wildwood areas.

The World War II veterans will be honored, in addition to fallen veterans of all wars, nightly during a pre-game ceremony beside their family and friends. Before each home game, the Fightins raised a ceremonial flag to tribute to their memory and welcomed their family to the game. The flag will then lowered and given to the family following the game. During the ceremony, the Fightins will tell each veteran’s story and present the veteran with a Ceremonial Flag as a token of appreciation for all that they have done in protection of the United States of America.

Reservations for the Savage61 Ceremonial Flag Service are now being taken for the 2015 season. Those interested can call 610-370-BALL ext. 293 to reserve a date. Anyone interested in paying tribute or honor to a veteran is asked to call that number with their preference of a game date. Available game dates are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The Fightins will kick off the 65th season of baseball at America’s Classic Ballpark on Friday, April 17th when they host the Richmond Flying Squirrels, Double-A affiliate of the 2014 World Series Champion San Francisco Giants, at 7:05 p.m. Tickets for the 2015 season can be purchased online at Fightins.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, or by visiting the FirstEnergy Stadium Ticket Office.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Reading Fightin Phils . Click here to view the original story.

Walmart, Naturals Partner on Military Appreciation Program

February 16, 2015

Nominate a military member or veteran to be honored before a Naturals game in 2015

Walmart and the Northwest Arkansas Naturals are proud to partner again on our Military Appreciation program, which was created to honor the men and women that have served in the United States Military. The men and women selected will receive public recognition during select Naturals home games in 2015.

The Military Appreciation program will take place at all twelve (12) Sunday home games this year. For those interested in nominating a military member or veteran for a game, you can visit our website www.nwanaturals.com to find more information about the Military Appreciation Program under the Community tab. Fill out the nomination form completely and then either fax it or email it to the Naturals at the contact information listed on the form. You may also drop it off at our Administrative Office located at Arvest Ballpark between 10am-5pm, Monday-Friday.

Nominees that are selected will receive on-field or videoboard, recognition during a special pre-game ceremony at a Sunday Naturals game, four (4) complimentary Super Premium tickets, and a special certificate of recognition.

“The Naturals are proud to team up with Walmart for our 2^nd season of this program to help honor those that serve to protect the freedoms of our great nation,” said Naturals General Manager Justin Cole. “Through this program, we were able to honor numerous individuals last season, and even were able to reunite a military serviceman with his family at one of our games, creating a moment none of us will ever forget.”

On Memorial Day 2013, Walmart demonstrated its continuing support of veterans with the launch of its Veterans Welcome Home Commitment. Walmart promised to offer a job to any honorably discharged U.S. veteran within his or her first 12 months off active duty. Walmart projected it would hire more than 100,000 veterans over five years and it’s well ahead of that, having hired 77,000 veterans within the first 18 months of the commitment. Veterans interested in learning more can visit www.WalmartCareersWithAMission.com.

A military identification card, when shown at the Arvest Ballpark Ticket Office, is also valid for a $1 discount on tickets at all Naturals home games, no matter the day of week.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals . Click here to view the original story.

Cintas Hometown Heroes: Recognition for military

February 4, 2015

The Lexington Legends and Cintas are teaming up to recognize members of the military at Legends games this season.

New for 2015, the Legends are inviting nominations for the Cintas Hometown Heroes program. Nominations may be made by completing a form that is available online at www.lexingtonlegends.com under “Community.”

At 35 Legends home games in 2015, hometown heroes selected from the nominations will be provided four game tickets and will be recognized on the field during the game. Veterans and retired military personnel, as well as those on active duty, may be nominated.

“We are excited to introduce this new program,” said Legends’ corporate account executive Anne Brenner, who has been involved with the development of the program. “We know how much our fans have enjoyed our annual Military Appreciation Night, and that will continue. The Cintas Hometown Heroes program will provide an opportunity to bring even more recognition to our veterans and active military throughout the season.”

For more information on the Cintas Hometown Heroes program, contact Sarah Bosso, Legends director of business development, at 859 422-7855 or sbosso@lexingtonlegends.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lexington Legends. Click here to view the original story.

Bats to wear camo jerseys to benefit PVA

February 2, 2015

The Louisville Bats will wear special digital camouflage jerseys at all Sunday home games in 2015 to benefit the Kentucky-Indiana Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. Koetter Construction will provide the jerseys, which will be auctioned following the conclusion of the season with 100 percent of the funds being donated to the local PVA chapter. The jerseys will be introduced at the team’s noon press conference Wednesday at Louisville Slugger Field.

A nonprofit organization, many of PVA’s volunteers are dedicated veterans who have taken up the cause to not only fight on the battlefield together, but on the battlefield at home. The mission of the Kentucky-Indiana PVA chapter is to improve the quality of life of U.S. Military Veterans and others with spinal cord dysfunction through the use of advocacy, research, sports and recreation, education and communication.

“The partnership with the Louisville Bats and Koetter Construction will give us the exposure we so desperately need,” said Kevin Sparks, president of the Kentucky-Indiana PVA chapter. “Our hope is when fans see a camouflage uniform at a Bats game or anywhere else, or a sign for Koetter Construction, that they immediately think of our paralyzed veterans here in the Louisville and Kentuckiana area.”

“Koetter Construction is very proud to partner with the Bats and sponsor the Sunday military camouflage jerseys as a fundraiser to support the Paralyzed Veterans of America,” said Bob Koetter, Jr., president of the Floyds Knobs-based company. “We have been a past supporter of the PVA because we like to show our appreciation of our veterans who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom.”

“I would hope that these camouflage jerseys will remind people to thank a veteran, especially those who have come back missing limbs or being paralyzed from an accident while fighting for our freedom,” Koetter added. “I also hope people will support the PVA financially by participating in the auction at the end of the season.”

The PVA works continuously to raise awareness of the issues that paralyzed veterans face every day. There are a variety of ways to help. Visit www.kipva.org to become a volunteer, donor, sponsor or learn about supporting the group at its events.

Kentucky-Indiana PVA contact: Vickie Lincks, Executive Director, 502-635-6539, vlincks@kipva.org

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Louisville Bats. Click here to view the original story.

Hometown Heroes Program Presented by MetLife Launches

January 20, 2015

RailRiders Pay Homage to Public Service, Military & More

Your mom. Your neighbor. Your son. A classmate from long ago. Any one of them could be among the local heroes honored by the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) during the 2015 season thanks to the team’s Hometown Heroes Program presented by MetLife.

The RailRiders are calling for nominations for the initiative that will salute those that have exemplified excellence in public service. Those with service time in the military, police force, fire department, emergency medical service, volunteer activities or other related fields are eligible.

Each 2015 home game will spotlight these local heroes with recognition on the video board at PNC Field, the opportunity to throw out a ceremonial first pitch, and four field reserved seats to enjoy the game.

Entries can be sent by e-mail to HometownHeroes@swbrailriders.com or to the RailRiders’ front office at PNC Field, 235 Montage Mountain Rd., Moosic, PA 18507 with special attention to “Community Relations”. Each submission should include the potential honoree’s name, reasons for his/her nomination, a preferred month to attend for the honor and contact information (telephone number, e-mail address and a mailing address).

“This is our way of saying thank you to those that serve,” said Rachel Mark, the RailRiders’ community relations director. “It also allows us to show our respect and gratitude for the sacrifices so many of our neighbors make on a daily basis.”

The RailRiders open their 2015 season at home on April 9 against the Syracuse Chiefs (Washington Nationals). For more information please call (570) 969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Click here to view the original story.

Help Us Honor Fallen Heroes

January 15, 2015

The 2015 season is almost upon us and we are excited for what it will hold. The Midland RockHounds will host Military Appreciation Weekend sponsored by ProPetro Services on May 14th-18th. Throughout that weekend, the RockHounds players will be wearing specialty jerseys that will show the names of fallen heroes from around our community. These jerseys will be auctioned off with the proceeds going to a local charity, which will be determined at a later date.

We would like for our fans to submit names of family members or friends that have died honorably protecting our country, so that we can honor them by placing their names on the jerseys. Names will appear on the jerseys in the locations where “SOLDIER” is located on the above jersey artwork.

Please send all names and information to Courtnie Golden at cgolden@midlandrockhounds.org, no later than February 28, 2015 (limited to the first 50 names submitted). If you have any questions, feel free to call us at 432-520-2255.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Midland RockHounds. Click here to view the original story.

Living World War II Veterans to be Celebrated in 2015

November 11, 2014

Fightins’ Ceremonial Flag Service to now include WWII vets

Fightins General Manager Scott Hunsicker made the announcement regarding the Ceremonial Flag Service now honoring World War II veterans at the Veterans Day Ceremony.

Starting with the 2015 season, the Reading Fightins, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, will now be honoring living World War II veterans at each home game during the Savage61 Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Ceremonial Flag Service, the club announced at the Veterans Day Wreath-Laying Ceremony on Tuesday.

The World War II veterans will be honored, in addition to fallen veterans of all wars, nightly during a pre-game ceremony beside their family and friends. During the ceremony, the Fightins will tell each veteran’s story and present the veteran with a Ceremonial Flag as a token of appreciation for all that they have done in protection of the United States of America.

“When we announced the Ceremonial Flag Service last season, we had no idea how well our fans and the community would receive the nightly program and because of this, we wanted to allow living veterans of World War II to be celebrated alongside their families during the 2015 season,” said Fightins General Manager Scott Hunsicker. “This is the least we could do to give them proper respect and admiration for risking their lives in the line of battle. We thank Tim Profit and Savage 61 Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for stepping up and underwriting this important program as well as all of our military programs.”

Last season, the Fightins honored fallen veterans of all wars during a pre-game ceremony by flying a Ceremonial Flag near the giant dog tags at the main entrance to honor a specific veteran each home game. Before each home game, the Fightins raised a ceremonial flag to tribute to their memory and welcomed their family to the game. The flag was then lowered and given to the family following the game.

Reservations for the Savage61 Ceremonial Flag Service will be taken for the 2015 season. Those interested can call 610-370-BALL ext. 293 to reserve a date. Anyone interested in paying tribute or honor to a veteran is asked to call that number with their preference of a game date. Available game dates are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Over the years, the Fightins have continued to discover new ways to honor Berks County’s veterans. Originally named Reading Municipal Memorial Stadium, FirstEnergy Stadium was completed in 1951 and named in honor of the servicemen and women who risked their lives in defense of their country. 48 years later in 1999, a statue in the form of giant dog tags was placed in front of FirstEnergy Stadium in a special rededication ceremony to honor the area’s veterans.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Reading Fightin Phils. Click here to view the original story.

San Jose Giants 2015 Military Trading Card Set Nominations Now Open

November 10, 2014

Operation: Care and Comfort will again sponsor giveaway based on fan submissions

Today the San Jose Giants announced and opened nominations for their second Military Trading Card Set, presented by Operation: Care and Comfort. The trading card set will again be made up entirely from fan nominations of current or former members of the military. Nominations will be accepted through Friday, December 19. All submissions must be accompanied by a photo of the nominee, in military uniform, sent to info@sjgiants.com. The sets will be given to the first 1,000 fans in attendance at the San Jose Giants Fourth Annual Salute to the Military Day on Saturday, April 18.

Last year’s 36 member set included honorees from every branch of the military as well as a number of notable honorees: local icon, turned national news story Joe Bell and courageous war hero Pat Tillman. Click here to submit your nomination for the 2015 Military Trading Card Set.

“The Military Trading Card Set was an extraordinary addition to our 2014 Salute to the Military Day. We are incredibly excited to again offer our fans and the community the chance to share their wonderful stories of the heroes among us,” said Juliana Paoli, San Jose Giants Chief Marketing Officer. “After receiving nearly 100 submissions last year, we hope that opening this year’s nomination process months in advance will allow even more people the opportunity to honor the brave men and women that serve our country.”

“Operation: Care and Comfort is proud to continue their partnership with the San Jose Giants and thrilled for our troops, veterans and their families to be honored through the second year of this set,” said Julie DeMaria, Operation: Care and Comfort President and Co-Founder. “The first Salute to the Military Trading Card Set was made up of a remarkable group of heroes. I hope that current military and veterans alike, throughout the Bay Area, will again be nominated and have the opportunity to be recognized.”

The San Jose Giants Fourth Annual Salute to the Military Day on April 18 will be part of the team’s 2015 opening homestand. The Giants will also host games at Municipal Stadium on Mother’s Day (May 10), Memorial Day (May 25), Father’s Day (June 21) and Independence Day (July 4). For more information on the 2015 season and ticket packages please visit sjgiants.com or call (408) 297-1435.

Submit Nomination for the Military Trading Card Set, presented by Operation: Care and Comfort

This article originally appeared on the official website of the San Jose Giants. Click here to view the original story.

SALUTE TO VETERANS: AUGUST 1st

August 1, 2014

Join the Cyclones on August 1st as we pay tribute to the men and women of our armed forces who have served our country in the battle to keep us free and safe on Salute to Veterans night at the ballpark.

In honor of Veterans Appreciation Night on August 1st we are giving away 100 pairs of tickets to those who have served our country courtesy of our friends at Carvel, Forest Electric, Manhattan Beer and Fortress Investments. Just show proof of service at the MCU Park box office to receive a pair of bleacher seats.

In addition, the first 3,000 fans in attendance will receive a Cyclones Salute to Veterans T-Shirt courtesy of CUNY.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Brooklyn Cyclones. Click here to view the original story.

Sand Gnats to Honor Military on Thursday with Free Admission to JCB Military Appreciation Night

July 30, 2014

The Savannah Sand Gnats will hold JCB Military Appreciation Night at Historic Grayson Stadium this Thursday, July 31. The Gnats will honor the service off Savannah’s military community by offering free general admission tickets to any military, both veteran and active duty, with a valid military I.D.

Sand Gnats players and coaches will wear special military camouflaged jerseys as they take on the Hickory Crawdads, a Texas Rangers affiliate. The jerseys will be auctioned off for charity during the game, with winners receiving their autographed jerseys from players and coaches on-field after the game.

“We all owe a debt of gratitude for the brave men and women serving stateside and abroad, and we hope to see plenty of military families from across the Coastal Empire for a great night of baseball and a tribute to their service,” said Sand Gnats president John Katz. “Thanks to JCB, we were able to coordinate this great camouflaged jersey auction in an effort to raise funds for military charities,” continued Katz.

Fans will also be treated to half-priced draft beer and soda thanks to Thirsty Thursday sponsored by Budweiser, Coors Light, Miller Lite, Connect Savannah, E93, and I-95 FM.

The Third Infantry Division’s Third CAB Color Guard will present the colors, while Third CAB Commander Colonel John Kline will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Sergeant First Class Dana Fischl, also of the Third Infantry Division, will sing the National Anthem as part of the pre-game ceremonies.

Gates will open at 6:00 p.m. and first pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. For tickets and information please call (912) 351- 9150 or visit SandGnats.com

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Savannah Sand Gnats. Click here to view the original story.