There are over 1.4 million brave men and women serving our country in the different branches of the United States Military. On April 13, the Waynesburg University Baseball team will do their part to show their appreciation for their efforts.
On that day, the Yellow Jackets will face off with Pitt-Greensburg at Consol Energy Park, home of the Frontier League's Washington Wild Things, in a nine-inning game that will feature plenty of recognition for service men and women in attendance, and around the world. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m.
Head baseball coach Mike Humiston has always held the military in the highest regard. He feels that this gesture of recognition is not something that should be done, but must be done.
“Although I was never in the military, I was in law enforcement for a number of years, and they are similar in discipline and honor and in other areas,” Humiston said. “I think people need to recognize some of our heroes, who are doing what they do, so we can do what we do. I am very, very excited about this.”
Prior to coming to Waynesburg, where he also works as the head of campus security, Humiston was a member of the Tehama County (Calif.) Sheriff's Department six years, where he served as a patrol officer and a detective.
For this special occasion, the Yellow Jackets will compete in special jerseys honoring the service of members of our military. After the game, a number of military members will be given the opportunity to win this special jersey.
He was also very grateful for the hospitality of the Wild Things to allow him to use their field free of charge for the event.
The fourth-year head coach said he was first inspired to use one of his team's games to honor America's military personnel, while watching a mixed martial arts event that was doing the same with his son Ben.
“Ben and I came up with the idea of doing something like this in our local area, because people don't get enough credit for what they do,” Humiston said. “I think it's important for our institution to recognize how people are paying things forward.”
While the Jacket baseball team would love to honor every single person in uniform, any part they can play in putting the spotlight on some of this country's best and bravest would be considered a success.
“If we can get 300 or so at the game, that's a success,” Humiston said. “However, just one service person at the game would still be a success.”
The Waynesburg baseball players themselves have shared their coach's enthusiasm for the event.
“There are a lot of guys on our team that are either related to or know someone in the service and they get it,” Humiston said.
While he is very excited about this year's game to honor the troops, Humiston isn't going to let this be the end of his team's recognition efforts. He plans on taking his team to a traumatic brain injury center in Maryland, so they can meet and say “thanks” to veterans who have been severely wounded in combat.
