Soldiers recognized at St. Louis Cardinals game

By U.S. ArmyMay 26, 2012

ST. LOUIS -- Nearly 60 Soldiers and family members filled the stands of Busch Stadium Friday in anticipation of the FOX Sports Midwest "This One's For You" pre-game show followed by the St. Louis Cardinals' game two of their series in St. Louis against the Philadelphia Phillies here.

The St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in last season's National League division series before going on to win their 11th World Series.

Before the game, Cardinals and FOX Sports Midwest reporter Jim Hayes took a moment to identify service members assigned to the 4th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade who lined the field.

According to David Pokorny of FOX Sports Midwest, the "This One's For You" special game was created in 2005 to connect St. Louis-based military men and women with their families.

During the pre-game show, 13 Soldiers from the 13th Military Police Company spoke with Hayes about their upcoming deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom slated this fall.

Sgt. 1st Class Christian Marsh, a Phoenix, Ariz. native and platoon sergeant of the 13th MP Co., said that it was an honor to serve in his second deployment overseas and that support of the community keeps service member morale high.

St. Louis Cardinals' catcher Steven Hill met with the group before the game where he shook the Soldiers' hands and signed a Soldier's baseball mitt.

Just before the game began, Spc. Will Johanson, a military policeman assigned to the 463rd Military Police Company was escorted onto the field, where he surprised his girlfriend, Shelby Fetsch, St. Louis resident, with a marriage proposal.

The theme of military appreciation continued throughout the game with live video feed of troops serving in Afghanistan who were watching the game.

Soldiers of the 463rd Military Police Company were seen wearing Cardinal Nation swag and waving a "GO Cardinals" poster from their forward operating base in Baghram Air Field, Afghanistan.

The St. Louis Cardinals put on a grand show taking the game into extra innings.

The Philadelphia Phillies took the lead with a two-run homer in the top of the 10th and the St. Louis Cardinals were unable to come back falling 5-3 on Friday night.