I realize we probably have a large contingent of veterans who play in CDMSBL and I'm sure I can speak for all of us in saying thank you for your service to us and our freedoms.
On Wednesday night, two of our very own players were included as part of the Veterans/Military Night special in a ceremony before the Valley Cats game at Joe Bruno Stadium.
3-time Finals MVP Bob Bolt threw out the ceremonial first pitch and his long-time teammate and perennial all-league player Tony Nardacci got behind the dish to catch it.
Bolt is a veteran of the Air Force. He was a USAF Pilot from 1984-1991 and served in Operation "Just Cause" (Noriega) and Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. (Saddam). He remains a commercial pilot today, flying international routes.
Tony Nardacci is a U.S. Navy veteran, 1982-1988 (4 years active duty, 2 years in the Naval Reserves) as an Aviation Electronics Technician. Transferred to the New York Air National Guard and served from 1988-2002 with 14 years of service to them as an Electrician. Retired in 2002 with 20 years of military service.
It was a nice tribute to two men who got quite an ovation from the large contingent of military personnel as well as the sold-our crowd who appreciate what all veterans have done and are doing for our country. The Cats did it up right. The pageantry of a 21 motorcycle brigade of veterans, American flags waving from the back of their bikes, was spectacular. They entered the warning track from left field, circled toward right field then down the right-field line before stopping in front of the first-base dugout. From there, the Color Guard moved to the pitchers mound for the playing of our National Anthem. The brigade then completed the tour of the field, exiting where they began in left field.
The game was followed by a spectacular fireworks display. Sharing that night with all our Giants teammates - past and present - was a night Bobby and Tony are sure to remember forever.
I hope that next year other veterans from CDMSBL will want to be a part of this amazing evening.
Bob and Tony, thank you from all your Giants teammates.
