Join the Lakewood BlueClaws for Military Appreciation Night!
It's an annual tradition at First Energy Park and tonight when the BlueClaws host the Suns, it's Military Appreciation Night.
Chairman of the IBEW Local 400 Military Committee Pat O'Keefe hopes you'll come out in support of the troops with plenty on the itinerary.
"There's different ceremonies that are going to be going on before the game," O'Keefe said. "We're going to have some ceremonial first pitches, unfolding of the flag and more."
There will be some honored military guests throwing out the first pitch.
"Some people from the disabled Veterans Administration and some people from the armory that are going to be coming out to throw out the first pitch to honor them and the sacrifices that they made," O'Keefe said.
During the national anthem there will also be a flag drag-over.
There's another reason you're going to want to arrive at the ballpark early tonight.
"We're going to have a Black Hawk Helicopter there," O'Keefe said. "It's going to land (on the Great Lawn in front of the ballpark for pictures with fans) and they're going to let people look at it, see it and touch it and do different things and then it also take off during the game."
Tonight is also another great opportunity for you to get to know our military and veterans and say thank you.
"It'd be nice to see people go up to them and talk to them and see how they're doing and interact with them," O'Keefe said. "I'm sure they'll definitely interact with you."
For those thinking of a possible career in the military, he says there will be recruiters on site as well.
You'll be able to have some fun tonight but the BlueClaws and O'Keefe among others are asking for some donations for the Troop Supply Drive at the game.
"The things that we're looking for the most are baby wipes, batteries, personal items like razors and deodorant and any kind of chocolate and sweets are good as well and written 'thank you' letters tend to go a long, long way with building up the moral of the troops," O'Keefe said.
Other items being collected that you can put into a box for donation are snacks, shampoo, soap, sun block with SPF 40+, lip balm, writing utensils, silly string, tissues, q-tips, white socks, batteries, insect repellent, and flashlights.
The BlueClaws will also be collecting gently used cell phones at the New Jersey Natural Gas Information Booth to benefit Cell Phones for Soldiers.
The items will be sent overseas to the troops.
If you can't go and want to donate, contact the IBEW Local 400 or by calling 732-681-7111.
Game time is 7:05 pm for first pitch, but you'll want to arrive there much earlier to be able to see everything and everyone before the BlueClaws battle the Suns.
Former New York Yankees Shortstop Bucky Dent will be on hand during the game signing autographs for fans as well.
(Video above courtesy of MLB)
A VIP Express Pass lets holders skip the main autograph line.
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