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Military all-stars play in Quad-Cities

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By Steve Batterson | Sunday, May 11, 2008 12:13 AM CDT | () comments

Kane County catcher Justin Johnston wore a pair of uniforms Saturday at Modern Woodmen Park.

A former all-Patriot League catcher at the U.S. Naval Academy, Johnston rejoined the Midwest League team he began the season with after spending three weeks with the U.S Military All-Stars.

The Athletics’ farmhand batted .171 in 11 early-season games for the Cougars before joining the Military All-Stars for a three-week tour of Central America.

He met up with his Kane County teammates when the Military All-Stars took the field for an exhibition Saturday as part of a kickoff for Quad-Cities Military Appreciation Week.

“It’s been an incredible experience, an opportunity I appreciate,” Johnston said. “We played in front of so many kids and people wherever we went. To be able to make them smile and make a difference, that’s great.”

The team’s visit to the Quad-Cities was designed to continue to work toward its mission “to promote awareness of Americans in support of the honorable sacrifices our Armed Forces make at the ‘tip of the sword.’ ”

After a first pitch thrown out by Major General Bob Radin, commander, Army Sustainment Command, the Military All-Stars played a five-inning exhibition against a group of players from the Quad-Cities.

The outcome — a 2-1 win by the local players — was secondary to the message that was delivered.

“Through baseball and the games we play across the country and elsewhere, it gives people a chance to see that we’re just like they are,’’ said Eric Lally, the team’s general manager and a Keokuk, Iowa, native.

Saturday’s game was the first for the team that is made of players from all branches of the United States Armed Forces since returning from a Central American tour that included games in the Dominican Republic, Panama and Nicaragua.

Today, they’ll visit the Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa, before heading to Pennsylvania for games as part of a Red, White and Blue Tour that runs through August.

Steve Batterson can be contacted at (563) 383-2290 or sbatterson@qctimes.com. Comment on this story at qctimes.com.