The Washington Nationals hosted an extra-special international July 4th celebration this year, both at the ballpark and with military members around the world.
The event included a live watch party at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. The game’s MASN telecast was also simulcast around the world to more than 400,000 service members via the American Forces Network.
Leading off the day’s events, Nationals first baseman Dominic Smith and his brother, Culinary Specialist 1st Class David D. Smith traded pre-recorded messages. David is currently deployed aboard the USS Paul Hamilton.
“Go Nats, I love you bro, you already know that, I’ll see you soon,” said David.
Former National Adam LaRoche, in-game host Mike Ploger and mascot Screech brought the Nationals Park gameday experience to the thousands of troops stationed at AUAB. The game featured special dual ceremonial first pitches, led by Col. Matthew J. Clausen from AUAB, followed by his family from Nationals Park.
“This has been such an honor to get to hang out with some of the best airmen on the planet and just to be here on the Fourth is just incredible,” said LaRoche. “I got to take a trip back in 2012 with the Nationals to Afghanistan and do a similar thing and it's just one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had.”
Related
LaRoche and wife, Jennifer, founded the E3 Ranch Foundation in 2017. The nonprofit serves combat veterans, fights against human trafficking and provides support during humanitarian crises.
“I’ve always been passionate about the military,” LaRoche said. “My mom will tell you I’ve always been passionate about the military. I was six years old and begging her to go to the Army surplus store to pick up some cammo tarin crises globally."
As part of the first edition of Nats on Base Abroad, the afternoon’s game presentation and telecast also featured a rousing “Let’s go Nats!” chant led by Ploger and LaRoche.
The Nats were downed by the Cincinnati Reds 8-4 in the game.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.
Related
