Former MLB players boost morale

Photo By Master Sgt. Opal Vaughn | Former Major League Baseball players Andy Ashby, of the San Diego Padres and Sterling Hitchcock, of the New York Yankees, sign souvenirs and chat with 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment Soldiers during the 2008 Heroes of the Diamond Tour while at the dining facility at Forward Operating Base Warhorse located in Diyala, Iraq, Sept. 25, 2008. The former MLB players made several appearances at bases across Iraq, signing autographs, taking pictures and eating with Soldiers.  

DIYALA PROVINCE, IRAQ

09.25.2008

Story by Spc. Opal Vaughn  

14th Public Affairs Detachment

By Spc. Opal Vaughn
14th Public Affairs Detachment

DIYALA, Iraq - Former Major League Baseball players Andy Ashby, of the San Diego Padres, Sterling Hitchcock, of the New York Yankees and Dean Palmer, of the Detroit Tigers, hung out with 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment Soldiers during the 2008 Heroes of the Diamond Tour while at the dining facility at Forward Operating Base Warhorse located in Diyala, Iraq.

The tour began Sept. 19, 2008 with the three former major league baseball players making several appearances at bases across Iraq and is scheduled to conclude Sept. 30, 2008.

Previous tour participants have included: Rob Dibble, Tim Salmon, Goose Gossage, Jack McDowell, Jeff Nelson, Mike Remlinger and Turk Wendell.

Even though Ashby, Hitchcock and Palmer have been out of the media spotlight for some time now, Soldiers still lined up in the dining facility to meet and greet the former major league baseball players.

"The response we've received from the Soldiers has just been so overwhelming," said Ashby. "I never thought that being over here in Iraq would not only have an impact on the Soldiers, but me as well. Being able to really see what Iraq is all about is totally incredible."

As a former professional baseball pitcher, Ashby is thankful for what baseball has brought him.

"I've been blessed because of baseball and I would like to take that and give it back in any way that I can. The lord has blessed me with a lot of gifts and when you can give something back, that is something to be proud of," Ashby stated.

"For all of you who are serving and fighting for our country, I thank you," Ashby continued. "And I would particularly like to thank you for allowing us to partake in a part of your daily lives. It has been an honor."

Being on the Heroes of the Diamond Tour has been a different experience for each of the players. But the enthusiasm of the tour is still mutual.

"This tour has been amazing," said Hitchcock. "It's been incredible to see what you guys do here in Iraq on the frontlines as well as around the different bases. I come from a family of service where my father was in the Air Force and served in 'Nam, and my older brother is currently in the Navy and has served several tours in Iraq."

So far the tour has included signing autographs, taking pictures and hanging out with servicemembers at different bases. Being able to sit down and eat dinner with 2SCR Soldiers was also a highlight of the evening.

Coming from a military family background, Hitchcock could not thank the Soldiers enough.

"We appreciate you guys being over here," stated Hitchcock, also a former professional baseball pitcher. "I know Soldiers don't hear that enough, but we really do."

"You're over here with a difficult mission but the great nation that we are and the freedoms that we enjoy at home, you guys are helping to bring to the Iraqi people," Hitchcock added. "You're helping to bring a country out from under oppression and embrace a new found freedom. I have a deep, deep respect for each and every one of you."

Spreading the word to support the troops has become something that former third baseman Palmer is passionate about. His first tour included a visit to Afghanistan and now he is touring Iraq.

"I've been able to see what troops do on a day to day basis and experience a little bit of their lives while on tour of Iraq," Palmer stated. "The biggest thing for me is to be able to take what I have seen and experienced back with me to the states."

"It has been great for me to just talk about whatever with the Soldiers and to hang out with you guys," Palmer added. "There have been a lot of baseball fans I've been able to talk with and who have thanked me for supporting them. Unfortunately, it is I who must thank you guys for everything that you're doing over here."

"It has been wonderful hanging out with you guys," Palmer stated.

Ashby, Hitchcock and Palmer ended the evening by giving out some baseball pins and a couple of jerseys to the Soldiers. Afterwards they ate dinner with some of the Soldiers and thanked them for having dinner with them.

• Date Taken: 09.25.2008
• Date Posted: 09.30.2008 01:46
• Story ID: 24317
• Location: DIYALA PROVINCE, IQ