Florida Marlins Host Sailors, Marines at Baseball Game

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eric S. Garst, Navy Region Southeast Public Affairs

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (NNS) -- The Florida Marlins showed their appreciation for the military by inviting more than 300 Sailors and Marines to attend a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., April 26.

The event was part of Fleet Week Port Everglades 2011, scheduled April 25 through May 1.

USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Cryptologic Technician (Maintenance) 2nd Class Daniel Irwin was selected to throw the first pitch. A longstanding ritual of American baseball, the ceremonial first pitch is thrown by a guest of honor to mark the end of pre-game festivities and the start of the game.

"It was a great honor to be selected as the person to throw the first pitch," said Irwin, a Crestview, Fla., native. "It was even more meaningful to do it in my home state and before watching my favorite team play."

Florida Marlins season ticket-holders donated their seats to visiting Sailors, something Iwo Jima Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Raymond Young said was a significant gesture and proved a highlight of his visit to Port Everglades for fleet week.

"This was my first time attending a baseball game, and all because of South Florida generosity," he said. "It was a blast, and I am glad I was able to get some baseballs signed for my children at home."

Iwo Jima Sailor Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handler) Airman Shannon Sittloh said attending the game demonstrated how much Miami-area citizens appreciate the jobs Sailors perform each day around the world.

"I was absolutely astonished by the amount of support the civilians showed toward the military," she said. "It made the whole evening an honor."

The Marlins defeated the Dodgers, 4-2.

More than 2,500 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen are in South Florida for Fleet Week Port Everglades 2011. The week-long celebration of the sea services honors the men and women of the military through public events and recognition, and also provides the sea services an opportunity to showcase the capabilities of surface platforms, equipment and the skills of the men and women serving aboard these vessels.

For more information on Fleet Week Port Everglades 2011, visit the Navy Region Southeast Public Affairs Center's Navy NewsStand page at https://navcms.news.navy.mil/local/nrse/.

Media outlets interested in covering Fleet Week events should contact Lt. Cmdr. Jonathon Blyth at 202-270-8136.