On June 16th, the Sharks will play host to the Military All-Stars, a team comprised of the military's top baseball talent.  They play in over 350 baseball exhibitions worldwide ranging from college to international competition.  For more on this special event and a deeper look into the history of baseball in the military, read on!

Upon arriving at Buck Hardee Field on Monday, June 16th, chances are you’ll begin to feel a little something different in the air as you wait in line to get through the gate.  Instead of going head-to-head with a Coastal Plain League team, the Wilmington Sharks will be playing host to the Military All-Star baseball team.

Having already begun their trek around the world on a massive baseball exhibition tour, the All-Stars will be including Wilmington in this season’s itinerary.

Historical Overview

Dating as far back as the Civil War when soldiers from both the Union and the Confederacy played baseball to pass time and stay in shape (some rumors circulate that they took each other on), baseball has always been part of the fabric of the United States, even when they weren’t so united.  The “National Pastime” picked up steam during the early 1860s, becoming the official sport of the nation, which ultimately led to the creation of the first professional baseball team four years after the war ended – the Cincinnati Red Stockings.  The military, war, and baseball have always had a special tie.

The 1918 baseball season was cut short on September 2nd due to the ongoing struggles in World War I, and the 1919 season was only spared due to the signing of the armistice treaty on November 11, 1918 between the Allies and Germany.  One of the largest names to exit baseball in 1918 was Christy Mathewson, who resigned his post as the Cincinnati Reds manager to become a captain in the chemical warfare branch in the Army.

World War II had a much larger impact on the game.  When the European conflict broke out, the draft affected every profession possible, including baseball.  Leading the list, Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio were drafted and were shipped off to war.  Hank Greenburg and Stan Musial also received calls for duty.  After Pearl Harbor occurred, Greenburg re-enlisted with the Army even though he was previously discharged because of age.  Bob Feller, one of the top pitchers in baseball at the time, lost over three seasons of his extraordinary career due to service in the war.  Overall, over 500 Major Leaguers participated in World War II, by far more than any other war combined.

A Look at the Red, White, and Blue Tour of America

Founded in 1990, the Military All-Stars operate a network of 32 teams worldwide.  Over 21,500 Active Duty and Reserve Personnel have participated and the tour itself attracts over 25 million fans annually over the course of their 350 appearances.

The teams themselves are comprised of Active Duty, Reserve, and Veteran soldiers who play while off-duty – all of which cover their own expenses.  The teams decline any and all government funding to make sure all resources go to those fighting overseas.  Former college and professional players may also participate if they express an interest in serving with the military.

Organized baseball within the military goes back as far as World War II, when from 1941-1945 the Armed Forces team was established to help boost morale during an extremely difficult time.  While the attention to baseball waned during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, plans were revived in 1990 when President George H.W. Bush requested that a military baseball program be re-established to once again improve morale amongst the troops.

The teams hit the ground running, and have experienced an array of exciting experiences ranging from being featured in a 2003 episode of CBS’ Jag, to playing in several Major and Minor League facilities, for example hosting their All-Star Games in San Diego’s Petco Park and Baltimore’s Camden Yards.  In 2005, the Military All-Stars were nominated by Team USA to play in their place at an international tournament in Taiwan.

Both baseball and the military have benefited from the formation of the league.  Currently, Purple Heart recipient CPL Cooper Brannon, USMC was signed by the San Diego Padres and ENS Jonathon Johnston, USN remains deployed after being drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 42nd round of the Major League Baseball draft in 2007.

Schedule Highlights

The Military All-Stars make their rounds not only throughout the United States, but the rest of the world.  From April 20th through May 10th, they will be touring Central America.  Their stays include the Dominican Republic, Panama, and Nicaragua.  Once finished touring the Americas, they’ll move onto the Summer League Tour, taking them through highly competitive leagues such as the Cape Cod League, Coastal Plain League, and the Northwoods League plus including visits to Delaware, New York, Iowa, and Florida.

Culminating their long season will be the USA World Series, set to take place from August 1-9 in Orlando, Florida (with a rain/make-up date on August 10th).  This tournament proves to be prime territory for Major League scouts as there will be 40 teams competing in a double-elimination-style championship featuring three different divisions:  semi-pro/summer collegiate, Armed Forces, and First Responders.  Wood bats are used throughout the tournament, which much like the Coastal Plain League, gives scouts a great idea on who might be Major League material.

Other Information

The Military All-Stars are always accepting donations, and their online donation page can be found on their Web site at http://www.usmilitaryallstars.us/donation.html.  For more information on the team, including a deeper dive into their history, information on the players, and their 2008 season schedule, check out their Web site at http://www.usmilitaryallstars.us.

References & Resources

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/articles/aubrecht2004b.shtml
http://www.1918redsox.com/season.htm
www.salisburync.gov/images/prison/baseball-1b.jpg
http://www.usmilitaryallstars.us