United States Navy Baseball
Encyclopedia
The modern United States Navy Baseball Club was founded by retired U.S. Navy Commander Terry Allvord in Pensacola, Florida
in 1990 before moving to San Diego for the 1993 season. This program is the leader in armed forces baseball in the modern era. Allvord went on to establish over 40 single-service armed forces teams in every branch of the military around the globe. Tryouts are held every year to form the most talented military and first responders team to compete as the U.S. Military All-Stars during the annual "Red, White and Blue Tour" The team features active duty, reserve
, Veterans, Delayed Entry Program and First Responders. The continuation of two wars has limited the availability of armed forces players. As a result, beginning in 2010 the team will be known as "Heroes of the Diamond" allowing a limited number of former MLB, current professional, summer collegiate and first responders the opportunity to join the tour. Players interested in the military and willing to support the mission will continue to pay their own expenses while off-duty to compete against the finest professional, independent and summer collegiate programs in the world.
armed forces baseball has been traced as far back as the American Civil War
(1860–1865). For over a century, military baseball has been utilized as a successful tool to improve recruiting efforts and the morale of both the armed services and the American people.
Following World War I
, major league stars such as Ty Cobb
and Christy Mathewson
served their country while playing on teams overseas and at home. Military baseball reached its peak of popularity during World War II
(1941–1945) as baseball legends Ted Williams
, Joe DiMaggio
, Hank Greenberg
and Bob Feller
headed the list of major league professionals playing on service teams. Military baseball also served as a conduit to post-war reconstruction efforts and international relations most notably in Japan
.
Military baseball support was extremely limited in scope during the Korean War
(1950–1952) and finally, the Vietnam War
(1965–1974), when politicians began the systematic dismantling of the military infrastructure and force strength. Baseball was slowly phased out and went dormant along with the decline of the armed forces.
With tensions in the Middle East
and the current war in Iraq
, the Global War on Terrorism
continues to be a factor in lives of Americans each day. As a way to capture the same spirit during World War II
a historic effort led by the Navy team provided a unique and patriotic arena for Americans to support their armed forces at home and abroad.
Today, [Heroes of the Diamond] are the largest, fastest growing and most successful "joint" military program in the world. Over 25,000 personnel have participated with since 1990. In 2003, an episode of the CBS television show “JAG” was based on the programs annual Navy-Marine Corps All-Star Game featuring 2002 Cy Young award
winner and Oakland Athletics
pitcher Barry Zito
. In 2006, the team posted an impressive 41–6 record. This remains the best performance in the history of the program and featured a 4–2 overall record against teams in the independent professional Golden Baseball League.
Following the 2008 season, the founder of the "Red, White and Blue Tour," retired U.S. Navy Commander Terry Allvord joined forces with Dan Duquette, former general manager of the Boston Red Sox, Buddy Lewis and Jerry O'Connor, executives of Nocona Athletic Goods Company (also known as Nokona) to create a new ownership group dedicated to providing opportunities for members of our Armed Forces and military academies. The new alignment created five teams at every level of baseball to create a unique "farm System" which include:
American Defenders of New Hampshire of the Can-Am Professional League managed by former Red Sox Brian Daubach, the U.S. Military All-Stars "Red, White and Blue Tour" (Domestic) managed by former major league first baseman Ivan Cruz, the U.S. Military All-Stars "Red, White and Blue Diplomacy Tour" (International) and the newly minted Latin Stars led by Ramssey Ochoa. The tour teams continued their solid reputation with an impressive .720 winning percentage built over two decades while delivering the finest patriotic entertainment possible. In 2009, over 20 tour players were offered professional contracts, making it an ideal source for future talent while posting a record of 31-6-1 against professional and summer collegiate programs.
The Pittsfield American Defenders, which has a double meaning as Defenders of America, and for a new glove made by Nokona, called the American Defender.[2]In their inaugural season, The Defenders were led by former ABCA Chairman and collegiate baseball legends Dr. Carroll Land and Coach Bob Warn assisted by Coach Ron Swen. Due to the timing of the new partnership and the desire to hold as many spots as possible for players from military schools and service academies the roster was extremely late in taking shape. The military academies had a hard time believing an premier New England Collegiate Baseball League team was interested in dedicating their efforts to provide an opportunity for their players. Add to that, a stadium under construction and at one point submerged under two feet of water and Pittsfield faced every challenge imaginable.
contest and dedicated to Pearl Harbor
survivor Commander Lawrence S. Jackman, U.S. Navy. The most valuable player award is dedicated to Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Wayne Kidd, USMC, who was killed in the line of duty while stationed at Camp Pendleton in March 1996. The current record for the annual contest is a 9-9 tie between the Navy and Marine Corps. The most recent contest in 2007 was claimed by the U.S. Military All-Stars defeating the Marine Corps 12-1 and played at Tony Gwynn Stadium on San Diego State University.
Pensacola, Florida
Pensacola is the westernmost city in the Florida Panhandle and the county seat of Escambia County, Florida, United States of America. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 56,255 and as of 2009, the estimated population was 53,752...
in 1990 before moving to San Diego for the 1993 season. This program is the leader in armed forces baseball in the modern era. Allvord went on to establish over 40 single-service armed forces teams in every branch of the military around the globe. Tryouts are held every year to form the most talented military and first responders team to compete as the U.S. Military All-Stars during the annual "Red, White and Blue Tour" The team features active duty, reserve
Military reserve force
A military reserve force is a military organization composed of citizens of a country who combine a military role or career with a civilian career. They are not normally kept under arms and their main role is to be available to fight when a nation mobilizes for total war or to defend against invasion...
, Veterans, Delayed Entry Program and First Responders. The continuation of two wars has limited the availability of armed forces players. As a result, beginning in 2010 the team will be known as "Heroes of the Diamond" allowing a limited number of former MLB, current professional, summer collegiate and first responders the opportunity to join the tour. Players interested in the military and willing to support the mission will continue to pay their own expenses while off-duty to compete against the finest professional, independent and summer collegiate programs in the world.
Mission
To Promote the Awareness of Americans in Support of the Honorable Sacrifices our Armed Forces make at the tip of the spear.History
The origin of United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
armed forces baseball has been traced as far back as the American Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
(1860–1865). For over a century, military baseball has been utilized as a successful tool to improve recruiting efforts and the morale of both the armed services and the American people.
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
, major league stars such as Ty Cobb
Ty Cobb
Tyrus Raymond "Ty" Cobb , nicknamed "The Georgia Peach," was an American Major League Baseball outfielder. He was born in Narrows, Georgia...
and Christy Mathewson
Christy Mathewson
Christopher "Christy" Mathewson , nicknamed "Big Six", "The Christian Gentleman", or "Matty", was an American Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. He played his entire career in what is known as the dead-ball era...
served their country while playing on teams overseas and at home. Military baseball reached its peak of popularity during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
(1941–1945) as baseball legends Ted Williams
Ted Williams
Theodore Samuel "Ted" Williams was an American professional baseball player and manager. He played his entire 21-year Major League Baseball career as the left fielder for the Boston Red Sox...
, Joe DiMaggio
Joe DiMaggio
Joseph Paul "Joe" DiMaggio , nicknamed "Joltin' Joe" and "The Yankee Clipper," was an American Major League Baseball center fielder who played his entire 13-year career for the New York Yankees. He is perhaps best known for his 56-game hitting streak , a record that still stands...
, Hank Greenberg
Hank Greenberg
Henry Benjamin "Hank" Greenberg , nicknamed "Hammerin' Hank" or "The Hebrew Hammer," was an American professional baseball player in the 1930s and 1940s. A first baseman primarily for the Detroit Tigers, Greenberg was one of the premier power hitters of his generation...
and Bob Feller
Bob Feller
On December 8, 1941, Feller enlisted in the Navy, volunteering immediately for combat service, becoming the first Major League Baseball player to do so following the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7. Feller served as Gun Captain aboard the USS Alabama, and missed four seasons during his service...
headed the list of major league professionals playing on service teams. Military baseball also served as a conduit to post-war reconstruction efforts and international relations most notably in Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
.
Military baseball support was extremely limited in scope during the Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
(1950–1952) and finally, the Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
(1965–1974), when politicians began the systematic dismantling of the military infrastructure and force strength. Baseball was slowly phased out and went dormant along with the decline of the armed forces.
Modern Era
In 1990, the United States experienced a renaissance of organized military baseball in the “Modern Era”. Determined re-organization efforts began after a U.S. Navy program was founded in Pensacola, Florida. That initial Navy program launched nearly two decades ago, led Allvord to establish teams in every branch and ensure the growth and success of teams around the world.With tensions in the Middle East
Middle East
The Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East...
and the current war in Iraq
Iraq
Iraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....
, the Global War on Terrorism
War on Terrorism
The War on Terror is a term commonly applied to an international military campaign led by the United States and the United Kingdom with the support of other North Atlantic Treaty Organisation as well as non-NATO countries...
continues to be a factor in lives of Americans each day. As a way to capture the same spirit during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
a historic effort led by the Navy team provided a unique and patriotic arena for Americans to support their armed forces at home and abroad.
Today, [Heroes of the Diamond] are the largest, fastest growing and most successful "joint" military program in the world. Over 25,000 personnel have participated with since 1990. In 2003, an episode of the CBS television show “JAG” was based on the programs annual Navy-Marine Corps All-Star Game featuring 2002 Cy Young award
Cy Young Award
The Cy Young Award is an honor given annually in baseball to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball , one each for the American League and National League . The award was first introduced in 1956 by Baseball Commissioner Ford Frick in honor of Hall of Fame pitcher Cy Young, who died in 1955...
winner and Oakland Athletics
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
pitcher Barry Zito
Barry Zito
Barry Zito is a Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher for the San Francisco Giants. He previously played seven seasons with the Oakland Athletics, where he won the 2002 American League Cy Young Award and made three All-Star teams....
. In 2006, the team posted an impressive 41–6 record. This remains the best performance in the history of the program and featured a 4–2 overall record against teams in the independent professional Golden Baseball League.
Following the 2008 season, the founder of the "Red, White and Blue Tour," retired U.S. Navy Commander Terry Allvord joined forces with Dan Duquette, former general manager of the Boston Red Sox, Buddy Lewis and Jerry O'Connor, executives of Nocona Athletic Goods Company (also known as Nokona) to create a new ownership group dedicated to providing opportunities for members of our Armed Forces and military academies. The new alignment created five teams at every level of baseball to create a unique "farm System" which include:
American Defenders of New Hampshire of the Can-Am Professional League managed by former Red Sox Brian Daubach, the U.S. Military All-Stars "Red, White and Blue Tour" (Domestic) managed by former major league first baseman Ivan Cruz, the U.S. Military All-Stars "Red, White and Blue Diplomacy Tour" (International) and the newly minted Latin Stars led by Ramssey Ochoa. The tour teams continued their solid reputation with an impressive .720 winning percentage built over two decades while delivering the finest patriotic entertainment possible. In 2009, over 20 tour players were offered professional contracts, making it an ideal source for future talent while posting a record of 31-6-1 against professional and summer collegiate programs.
The Pittsfield American Defenders, which has a double meaning as Defenders of America, and for a new glove made by Nokona, called the American Defender.[2]In their inaugural season, The Defenders were led by former ABCA Chairman and collegiate baseball legends Dr. Carroll Land and Coach Bob Warn assisted by Coach Ron Swen. Due to the timing of the new partnership and the desire to hold as many spots as possible for players from military schools and service academies the roster was extremely late in taking shape. The military academies had a hard time believing an premier New England Collegiate Baseball League team was interested in dedicating their efforts to provide an opportunity for their players. Add to that, a stadium under construction and at one point submerged under two feet of water and Pittsfield faced every challenge imaginable.
Navy-Marine All-Star Game
For 10 years, the Navy-Marine All-Star Game was played each summer immediately following a San Diego PadresSan Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
contest and dedicated to Pearl Harbor
Attack on Pearl Harbor
The attack on Pearl Harbor was a surprise military strike conducted by the Imperial Japanese Navy against the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on the morning of December 7, 1941...
survivor Commander Lawrence S. Jackman, U.S. Navy. The most valuable player award is dedicated to Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Wayne Kidd, USMC, who was killed in the line of duty while stationed at Camp Pendleton in March 1996. The current record for the annual contest is a 9-9 tie between the Navy and Marine Corps. The most recent contest in 2007 was claimed by the U.S. Military All-Stars defeating the Marine Corps 12-1 and played at Tony Gwynn Stadium on San Diego State University.