CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Service members participating in a softball league at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, dedicated games played Dec. 26 to the Baltimore Orioles.

The people of Millersville, Md., Country Financial Services and the Baltimore Orioles donated gloves, mitts, softballs and uniforms to the service members in Afghanistan.

This post Christmas game day was designated ‘Orioles Day,’ in tribute to all the support that the Orioles have given to the service members on base.

The softball league started off as an activity played on Sundays for physical training. It rapidly turned into an organized softball league with a total of 22 teams comprised of Marines, sailors, soldiers and members of the British forces.

“The Orioles have played a big part in making the league possible with all of the gear they sent here,” said Lt. Col. Matt K. Seipt, plans officer with Regional Command Southwest.

The players participating in games held the day after Christmas had a great surprise when they were handed Baltimore Orioles jerseys, hats, shoes and T-shirts.

“It was awesome to receive real jerseys from my favorite team,” exclaimed hospital corpsman Petty Officer 3rd Class, Isaac Stone, Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward). “I’m really looking forward to getting home and going to a couple of games next season at Camden Yards.”

After receiving the jerseys and taking a few photos, the service members went right back to playing softball in their new jerseys until the sun went down.

“Even though our deployment is drawing to a close in March, we have already begun the turnover to other units who will carry on the league through 2011 and beyond,” said Seipt. “Many, many thanks to all that have made this dream a reality!”

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