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The camaraderie between these guys was evident. Dave Rearick (2024 MVP) said that \u201cwe are playing for our brothers\u201d, and also said, \u201cNavy wants to win, big time!\u201d Pete Feliciano (2023 co-MVP with Bill McElroy) explained that the big rivalry is between Air Force and Navy, comparing it to \u201cthe Hatfields and McCoys.\u201d Ernie Serson (2022 MVP) said that their military background makes them \u201cwired to win,\u201d while Mark Gatchell (3-0 as a manager) noted that any veteran is invited to play in the Veterans Tournament, and playing in the regular season is not a requirement (contact Rick Munsell). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In speaking about competitiveness, Bill McElroy (3-0 as the pitcher) reflected on another tournament in which he was the pitcher, and \u201cinadvertently\u201d beaned a very well-known major-league baseball player. Competitive spirit at its finest. Part of the game. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since the Air Force has won it all over the past three years, needless to say, they are this year\u2019s target. You can\u2019t miss this tournament! This will be one to remember. Trash talk? Ha, you ain\u2019t heard nuthin\u2019 yet. But it\u2019s all in that wonderful competitive spirit that sport is all about. It\u2019s all about the brotherhood that our veterans share, the respect they have for each other, and we have for them. Come cheer on your team \u2013 Air Force, Navy, Army, and Warriors (combo of Marines and Coast Guard). Come see if Mark Gatchell will duplicate last year\u2019s pirouette at the plate when his tremendous swing and miss spun him around. The tournament will take place on Saturday, Nov. 8 (Sunday, Nov. 9, rain date) at the softball field. As of this writing, the schedule is as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8:20 a.m. Player’s lineup on base paths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8:30 a.m. Presentation of the Colors by Marion County Memorial Honor Guard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8:35 a.m. National anthem and opening prayer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8:45 a.m. Presentation of the honorary first pitch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8:50 a.m. Introduction of the players and game one commences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, food trucks, a home run derby, and a full day of activities with Mr. Kenneth D. Colen presenting the coveted captain\u2019s trophy to the winning team! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So come on out and cheer on your team with the Poms Dance and Cheer Squad! Join your team in trash-talking. But most importantly, honor our veterans, past and present, while celebrating this day. Don\u2019t miss it! <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
All eyes were on Dave Rearick. All eyes \u2013 players, fans, and perhaps the ducks that flew into the Arbor Fitness Center pool a few weeks ago. […]<\/p>\n