Sacramento Rivercats host Air Force Week event

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Matthew Bates
  • Air Force Print News
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AFPN) --  Sweaty palms.

That's how Staff Sgt. Raymond Hardson described how he felt as he waited to throw the first pitch to start a Sacramento Rivercats baseball game here June 4.

The game, which took place at Raley Field, was the first of many events organized to honor military members and their families as part of the city's Air Force Week.

There are numerous events scheduled throughout Air Force Week, which runs through June 10. These events include performances by Tops in Blue, an open house at Beale Air Force Base in California, and the Capitol Air Show featuring the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds.

Before the game, the stadium honored numerous servicemembers who recently returned from deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and provided the opportunity for one lucky military person to throw an honorary first pitch.

"Basically, my fist sergeant selected me from a bunch of names," said Sergeant Hardson, who is from the 9th Security Forces Squadron at Beale AFB. "My dad, who's retired Air Force, even flew out here from Southern California, so I'm just very proud."

As to what type of pitch he'd be throwing, Sergeant Hardson said he'd just stick to the norm.

"I think I'll just go with a fastball," he said.

For the Rivercats, a minor league team, this event allowed them to show their support for the military while playing a role in Air Force Week.

"I think it's good to meet the people who are over there in Iraq or wherever they're at," said Daric Barton, the Rivercats first basemen. "It's as much of a pleasure for us to meet them as it is for them to meet us."

For the military families attending the game, the event was a special one.

"This was great" said Staff Sgt. Jose Velazquez, from the 570 Contingency Response Group at Travis AFB. "Being able to bring the family here to the park and have the community give us praise, that feels good."

A "Do Something Amazing" display and several other recruiting booths were also set up at the stadium.

Sergeant Hardson eventually did get to bring the heat. And when he did, he threw a strike right down the middle of the plate -- sweaty palms and all.

For more information, visit the "Air Force Week" Web site at www.beale.af.mil/airforceweek. 

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