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Delaware supports Team Dover with military appreciation nights

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The Wilmington Blue Rocks minor league baseball team hosted military appreciation nights and donated tickets to Team Dover for Rocks' games Aug. 10 and Saturday.

As part of the military appreciation nights, Col. Randal Bright, 512th Airlift Wing commander and Chief Master Sgt. Bruce Blodgett, 436th AW command chief, threw out the first balls Aug. 10. Army 1st Lt. David Wickersham, 160th Engineering Company commander, threw out the first pitch Saturday.

The right-handed rocket Chief Blodgett represented the Eagle Wing when he stepped up to the mound at Frawley Stadium in Wilmington to throw out the first pitch Aug. 10.

Chief Blodgett, though lauded by Col. Steven Harrison, 436th AW commander, as being a first-class command chief, did not prove to be Major League baseball material. In fact, his pitch stopped short of home plate, which was a good prelude to the Rocks' 5 - 1 defeat by the visiting Fredrick Keys.

"While he may not be a professional ball player, he's a superb Command Chief and has played instrumental roles in the Eagles winning record versus the Chiefs in a variety of sports over the last two years," the colonel joked.

The chief's pitching was followed by right -hander and Major Leaguer Brandon Duckworth of the Kansas City Royals. Duckworth, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list for a torn oblique muscle, pitched for the Rocks as part of his rehabilitation.

The Rocks trailed the Keys 4 - 0 until the sixth inning, when the Rocks attempted to rally. With one out, first baseman Mario Lisson stepped up to the plate, singled, then stole second. Two batters later, when outfielder Brian McFall hit a line drive into center field, Lisson came home and put the Rocks on the score board. However, that was the only run the Rocks would score Aug. 10.

Despite the Rocks' loss, Dover Air Force Base officials were proud to be publicly appreciated at the events.

"The Dover community completely embraces its military members ... more so than any community I've ever been associated with," said Colonel Harrison. "They provide a number of great venues for us to proudly show the Team Dover flag, they understand our mission, and they are as proud of our role in the Nation's defense as we are. It's just a pervasive spirit of support for our military members that makes this such a wonderful place to serve.

"In fact, just as the Wilmington Blue Rocks showed their military appreciation over the weekend," continued the colonel, "Delaware State University announced that they would kick off their season with a military appreciation night next month. I'm already considering asking Chief Blodgett to return to Dover for the event, provided Del State will agree to allow him to play a position other than quarterback as his throwing arm is being retired."

The DSU Hornets will kick off their season by challenging the defending champion, Coastal Carolina University at the Alumni Stadium Sept. 1.

In the opening event, DSU invites military members to attend for free, said Rick Costello, DSU director of athletics.

"The military are a vital part of the Dover community and we have developed this special event to support our troops," he said. "This exciting college football evening will give active-duty military (members) in uniform free admittance. Also, veterans, families and civil servants are invited to join us at the special military rate of $5 per person for this game. I look forward to seeing your patriotic spirit and pride on display at the game."

The Blue Rocks and Hornets hosting military appreciation nights are two examples of how Team Dover, and other Air Force members are honored in Delaware.

"Any successful community is made of neighbors working together," said Colonel Harrison. "Jill and I have felt welcomed and at home here since day one. We are thrilled to have the privilege to serve the citizens of Dover, the citizens of Delaware and of our great Nation."