Call it the softball World Series for two military teams in the National Capital region.
The Battle of the Bases Championship between Joint Base Andrews and Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall takes place tonight at 6 p.m. at Nationals Park.
“Supporting our military and their families is an integral part of who we are as a ball club,” said Gregory McCarthy, Washington Nationals Senior Vice President, Community Engagement. “It’s an honor to show these men and women a true big-league experience by giving them the chance to play on a Major League field, under the lights in front of their family, friends, and colleagues.”
The championship game between Joint Base Andrews and 2021 runner-up Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall is the conclusion to the 20-team preliminary tournament held in August that included more than 400 active-duty service members from all six military branches.
Col. Todd E. Randolph, 316th Wing and Joint Base Andrews installation commander, said the game is more than just a game.
“It is a chance for us to connect and strengthen the bond between bases and personnel here in the National Capital Region,” he said.
Related
Tech Sgt. Josh Montero is the head coach for the Andrews team. He said his players understand that this could be a once-in-a-lifetime event to play in a Major League Baseball ballpark.
“A lot of the guys on the team play tournament softball with tons of military members from the area, so being able to take your base team and compete against our friends and brothers in arms is always fun – more fun when we have the bragging rights until next year as well,” he said.
Montero said many of the participants in tonight’s game had dreams of playing major league baseball as they grew up.
“We all had that dream at one point, and some of us got closer than others,” he said. “That is what I think makes this event so special is that it’s giving most of us a chance to live our dream. Even if it is slow-pitch softball, walking out onto that field for a game is going to be a truly incredible experience we
will all cherish for the rest of our lives.”
Related
Nationals legend Ryan Zimmerman will lead the postgame awards ceremony, presenting a trophy and individual medals to the winning team. Fans are encouraged to stay after the postgame presentation to run the bases and take photos on the field with Screech and the Racing Presidents. Upon exiting the ballpark, fans will have the opportunity to take home previous giveaways and promotional items while supplies last.
Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Garrison Commander Col. David Bowling said he is excited to hear that his team has a chance to win it all in the Battle of the Bases.
“It's always a great opportunity to connect and grow relationships in our joint capacities,” he said. “I am thankful that the Washington Nationals have provided an opportunity to showcase the talent and efforts of our service men and women, as this tournament emphasizes the unity of our military.”
Staff Sgt. Reece Urban of the JBMHH team said he’s been playing as much softball as he can in order to get ready for the game.
Related
“I’ve dreamed of playing professional baseball for as long as I can remember,” he said. “I grew up in a baseball family, spending all of my time around a ball field, going to games, hoping and praying that I’d be able to play at a big league ballpark one day. Unfortunately, that dream didn’t work out, so I ended up fulfilling one of my other dreams by becoming an infantryman in the United States Army.”
The game was originally scheduled for Oct. 2 but was moved due to inclement weather caused by Hurricane Ian. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and admission to the game is free.
Fans can access Nationals Park for the Battle of the Bases via the Home Plate Gate. Select concessions stands will be open for the event. Ballpark policies, including security screening and clear bags, remain in effect.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.