Highlights from Veterans Night at “The Joe”
On July 5th, the ValleyCats partnered with CSEA and the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center to honor those who serve our country. Veterans Night at “The Joe” has become an annual tradition and helped produce a sellout crowd of 5,489 fans. As is the case every Tuesday, gates opened early for a 5:00 pm pre-game concert. Home Brewed rocked the ballpark for the second week in a row and even got SouthPaw into the act.
The pre-game ceremonies provided a special opportunity to say “Thank You” to those who have sacrificed for our freedom. Several veterans were recognized on the field with ceremonial first pitches including Wes Edwards from the Stephentown Veterans, Mike Brown from the Veterans of Lansingburgh, TSGT Joe Wilkinson with his son Austin, and First Sergeant Joe Landy, who is currently home on a two week pass from a deployment in Iraq and his son PFC Joe Landy who will deploy to Afghanistan later this year. The New York Army National Guard presented the colors on the field and Shawn Morgan, a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, sang the national anthem. Fans were encouraged to thank the military men and woman in attendance throughout the night for their service and dedication to our country.
Vermont Clubhouse Manager, Phil Schelzo, took to the field in the 7th inning and provided the crowd with a great rendition of “God Bless America.”
Between the lines, the ‘Cats erased an early deficit with a fifth inning rally that included a long two-run homer from Jacke Healey.
Unfortunately Vermont quickly retook the lead and cut the ValleyCats comeback bid short despite four runs in the 9th. The team travels to Hudson Valley tomorrow for a three game set but returns home on Saturday for the first of three against Aberdeen.
Saturday is Time Warner Cable’s Customer Appreciation Night at “The Joe.” Fans are still able to show their cable bill at the ValleyCats Box Office to receive four free tickets along with four free hot dog/soda vouchers. Berm Area/General Admission tickets are still available for this game. With these types of tickets, fans are able to bring in blankets or lawn chairs to set up in the grass berm areas in the outfield. Picnic tables will also be available on a first-come, first-serve basis in the Cat-tle Ranch and at the Top of the Hill.
The homestand continues with another Sunday Funday on July 10th, and closes out with Healthy Living Night and postgame fireworks on Monday, July 11th.
Slideshow from Veteran’s Night at “The Joe”:
Meredith’s triple & double and Jacke Healey’s HR:
Outstanding Photographs!