Meade celebrates Military Appreciation Day with the Orioles

By Brandon BieltzMay 30, 2014

Meade celebrates Military Appreciation Day with the Orioles
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (May 29, 2014) ‐‐ Growing up, Pfc. Nathan Emlet spent his fair share of time on baseball fields -- particularly the pitcher's mound.

But on Sunday, the Soldier from the 704th Military Intelligence Brigade found himself on the turf of a major league ballpark as he stood between members of the Baltimore Orioles near second base.

"It was pretty awesome," he said.

Emlet was among 11 Fort Meade service members featured in the Orioles' Military Appreciation Day as the team faced the Cleveland Indians at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

Fort Meade participated in several of the pre-game events, including the singing of the National Anthem as service members stood alongside the Orioles' starting lineup and Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley throwing the ceremonial first pitch.

"This is great. It's really exciting," Foley said before the game. "It's another event in a long series of wonderful partnership events with the Orioles. ... They do such a wonderful job."

The day began with a barbecue at the stadium's bullpen picnic area hosted by Orioles pitcher Darren O'Day and the USO. During the barbecue, service members had an opportunity to meet several players including O'Day, catcher Matt Wieters and pitcher Brian Matusz.

Autographs and memorabilia were auctioned off as part of the event, with proceeds benefiting the USO-Metro.

Shortly before game time, the service members made their way down to the field where they participated in the pre-game festivities that also featured the U.S. Army Color Guard from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment and the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team from Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C.

Sunday's game was the first time that Foley threw out a first pitch at a Major League Baseball game. He used the time leading up to the game preparing to take the mound.

"I'm as loose as I'm going to be," he said.

After throwing to pitcher Chris Tillman before a crowd of 37,649 fans, nine Fort Meade service members took the field.

The Soldiers, members of various units, joined the Orioles on the field for the National Anthem, which was performed by Sgt. 1st Class April Boucher of the U.S. Army Field Band.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience," said Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathan Diehl. "There's nowhere else I could possibly get this experience."

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Fort Meade, Md.