Mission: To Promote the Awareness of Americans in Support of
the Honorable Sacrifices our Armed Forces make at the "Tip of the Spear"

The modern US Military All Stars was founded originally as the U.S. Navy Baseball Club by retired U.S. Navy Commander Terry Allvord in Pensacola, Florida in 1990 before moving to San Diego for the 1993 season. This program is the leader in armed forces baseball in the modern era. Allvord went on to establish over 40 single-service armed forces teams in every branch of the military around the globe. Tryouts are held every year to form the most talented military and first responders team to compete as the U.S. Military All-Stars during the annual "Red, White and Blue Tour" The team features active duty, reserve, Veterans, Delayed Entry Program and First Responders. The continuation of two wars has limited the availability of armed forces players. As a result, beginning in 2010 the team will be known as "US Military All Stars" allowing a limited number of former MLB, current professional, summer collegiate and first responders the opportunity to join the tour. Players interested in the military and willing to support the mission will continue to pay their own expenses while off-duty to compete against the finest professional, independent and summer collegiate programs in the world.

Soldiers of the Continental Army played ball at Valley Forge during the American Revolution. U.S. citizens played more modern versions of the British games of cricket and rounders through the early 19th century, often called "town ball". In the 1840s, New Yorker Alexander Joy Cartwright and his acquaintances played a game they called “base ball” that was very similar to the game we know today.

On June 19, 1846, in a contest many historians consider the first scheduled baseball game, Cartwright’s New York Knickerbockers Baseball Club was defeated by the New York Baseball Club, 23-1, in four innings.

(Stories later arose saying Abner Doubleday invented the game, but historians generally regard the stories as myths.)

During the American Civil War, soldiers on both sides played baseball to pass the time between battles. In 1869, the Cincinnati Red Stockings became the first openly professional baseball team. By the end of the 19th century, baseball was known as "America's Pastime."

Baseball in WWII by Gary Bedingfield

At the outbreak of the European conflict in 1939, the majority of Americans favored neutrality. There was little desire to become involved in a European problem, and in any case, the nation's fighting force was totally unprepared to do so. At that time, the ill-equipped Army totaled a meager 240,000 men, while the fledgling Army Air Corps operated with obsolete airplanes and fewer than 20,000 personnel. Only the United States Navy could hold its head high with a Pacific Fleet of 82 warships.

Nevertheless, as the Japanese began to fulfill their territorial ambitions in the Pacific and war clouds loomed, the United States prepared to defend itself. The first stage towards increasing the nation's fighting force was the Selective Training and Service Act, or draft, signed by President Roosevelt on September 16, 1940. Every American male between the ages of 21 and 36 was required to register for 12 months of military service "to ensure the independence and freedom of the United States."

The draft put nearly two million men in uniform by the end of 1941 - it was the greatest defense program in the history of the nation.

The draft affected every profession, and baseball was no exception. In 1941, major league baseball was at its zenith, enjoying a momentous year. Ted Williams batted .406, Joe DiMaggio hit safely in 56 consecutive games, 41-year-old Lefty Grove got his 300th career win, and Dodgers' catcher Mickey Owen was forever immortalized for mishandling a pitch that cost Brooklyn the World Series. Meanwhile, baseball bid a resounding farewell to the first two players to enter military service.

Holding the distinction of being the first major league regular to be drafted in World War II, Hugh "Losing Pitcher" Mulcahy - a veteran with the Philadelphia Phillies - was inducted on March 8, 1941, and reported to Camp Devens, Massachusetts. The 27-year-old right-hander earned his nickname by losing 76 games between 1937 and 1940 as a starter with the senior circuit's perennial basement team. Mulcahy proudly told The Sporting News, "My losing streak is over for the duration ... I'm on a winning team now."

Detroit Slugger Hank Greenberg, a celebrated star of the time and future Hall of Famer, received his draft call on May 7, 1941. "Hammerin' Hank" had played in three World Series and two all-star games - he hit 58 home runs in 1938 (just two short of Babe Ruth's 1927 record) and was the American League's Most Valuable Player in 1940. Greenberg gave up his $55,000 yearly salary for $21 per month Army pay and reported to Fort Custer, Michigan. He told The Sporting News, "If there's any last message to be given to the public, let it be that I'm going to be a good soldier."

Likewise, minor league baseball's vast manpower pool responded to the nation's call to arms. Billy Southworth Jr, an outfielder with the Toronto Maple Leafs and son of the St Louis Cardinals' manager, was one of the first professional ballplayers to enter military service by voluntarily enlisting in the Army Air Corps in December 1940. "I think it's my duty to enlist because they're going to need us," Southworth had confided to his father earlier in the year. "My baseball career can wait."

Despite the deteriorating international situation, these one-year draftees hoped peace would prevail and allow them to return to civilian life. But during the early hours of Sunday, December 7, 1941, that peace was violently shattered. The Japanese surprise aerial attack that rained terror on Pearl Harbor and sunk or damaged 18 warships of the United States Pacific Fleet marked, with an authoritative stamp, America's entry into World War II.

Pearl Harbor saw the nation besieged in a wave of overwhelming patriotism followed by an immediate rush to enlist. On December 9, Hank Greenberg, at 30 years old, re-enlisted after having been discharged from the Army under a new law releasing draftees 28 or older from duty. He admitted "this doubtless means I'm finished with baseball."

Like Greenberg, Cleveland's 23-year-old pitching sensation, Bob Feller, rushed to enlist as soon as he heard the news of the bombing. Feller joined the United States Navy and served as a chief petty officer aboard the battleship Alabama in the Pacific.

Hitler's declaration of war against the United States on December 11 merely fueled the enthusiasm. Industrial giants responded with a roar, and factories, workshops, mills and mines swung into action. The vast automobile industry switched to the production of military vehicles, turning out a steady stream of trucks, Jeeps, tanks and airplanes,

While manufacturers, more accustomed to handling refrigerators and vacuum cleaners, turned their straight-line production techniques to the manufacture of ammunition, guns and other essential war commodities. Even manufacturers of sporting goods equipment contributed to the war effort. Hillerich & Bradsby, makers of the famous Louisville Slugger baseball bats, turned their wood-turning skills to the production of stocks for the M1 carbine rifle. Within months of Pearl Harbor, America was impressively living up to the pledge it had given to become the "Arsenal of Democracy."

But would baseball survive the war? America's entrance into World War I had ended the 1918 baseball season on September 2, and only the armistice agreement saved the following season. Fears that the war would jeopardize baseball again in 1942, however, were quashed when President Roosevelt, in response to a direct plea from baseball's ruling head, Kenesaw Mountain Landis, sent his now famous January 15 "Green Light" letter. Roosevelt said, "I honestly feel that it would be best for the country to keep baseball going" and added that he would like to see more night games that hard-working people could attend. Roosevelt also noted that baseball could provide entertainment for at least 20 million people, and added that although the quality of the teams might be lowered by the greater use of older players replacing young men going into military service, this would not dampen the popularity of the sport.

But, although players were enlisting or being drafted into the armed forces from the beginning, their existed an undertone of displeasure towards seemingly fit men participating in sports and apparently evading military duties. Some thought baseball squandered manpower and should be shut down for the duration. In hindsight, this attitude is understandable, but there is little doubt that for the overwhelming majority baseball was a major morale booster throughout the war years. In response to the negative undertones, The Sporting News took it upon themselves, in April 1942, to ask servicemen for their view on the situation - should baseball continue while they fight and perhaps die for democracy and freedom? An abundance of replies besieged the offices of The Sporting News in St Louis strongly backing the President's directive to keep baseball going. Private John E Stevenson, based at Fort Dix, New Jersey, wrote, "Baseball is part of the American way of life. Remove it and you remove something from the lives of American citizens, soldiers and sailors." Private Clifford P Mansfield at Fort Knox, Kentucky reiterated, "For the morale of the soldier and the morale of America itself, 'keep 'em playing'."

More than 500 major league players swapped flannels for khakis during World War II, and such well-known players as Stan Musial, Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams served their nation off the diamond. The minor leagues, formerly a veritable oasis of baseball talent, were seriously affected by the manpower shortage with 4,076 players seeing military service. On a daily basis, talent was drained from the game as promising young athletes who had spent summers developing their athletic skills were plucked from baseball diamonds all across the country and taught to fly planes, shoot weapons and maneuver tanks. No more than 12 minor leagues survived during the war years compared to 44 circuits that operated in 1940.

U.S. Military All-Stars "Red, White and Blue Tour of America History

Founded in 1990, the U.S. Military All-Stars have created a network of 32 baseball teams worldwide. In the modern era of military baseball (Post Vietnam) over 21,500 active duty and reserve personnel have participated. We have established a reputation as the largest, fastest growing, most successful, and only joint armed forces baseball program in the world. The historic "Red, White and Blue Tour of America" has become the most popular summer exhibition in the world attracting over 25 million people annually. Over 350 appearances provide the absolute finest patriotic atmosphere possible delivering highly competitive, exciting entertainment, and a once in a lifetime experience to our fans and armed forces with the talent to perform on a national stage.

The U.S. Military All-Stars are comprised of Active Duty, Reserve and Veterans who participate while off-duty and cover their own expenses. We decline government funding to ensure all available resources support our brave men and women overseas. The players are selected among thousands of personnel worldwide and represent some of the most talented athletes in the armed forces and have deployed in direct support of the Global War on Terrorism. In addition, we provide an opportunity for a limited number of former professional and collegiate players each year to participate that have expressed interest in serving in the military or currently enrolled in a Military Service Academy or Armed Forces Delayed Entry Program.

Important Milestones

• 1860-1865 Military Baseball established by Union/Confederate Soldiers during the Civil War
• 1941-45 Armed Forces team established to boost morale during WWII
• 1950-1975 Official support waned during Korean and Vietnam Conflicts
• 1990 – At the request of President George Bush I at the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, FL. Captain Van Goodloe appoints ENS Allvord to re-establish military baseball program to boost morale.
• First Navy vs. Marine Corps Baseball Challenge held in Pensacola, FL. Broadcast Live on WCOA Radio and NBC TV Naval Aviation Choir, 2 Congressmen, 1 ADM, 1 General, 1 Mayor attend
• U.S. Military All-Stars formed during defense drawdown and reduction in force measures. Program Founder, ENS Allvord establishes Southwestern Military Baseball League (10 Teams)
• 1991- present: Program founder requests that no funding be provided by CNRSW/MWR during time of war.
• U.S. Military All-Stars coordinate "Red, White and Blue Tour of Southeast"
• 1993 – U.S. Military All-Stars established in San Diego. Program Founder also establishes U.S. Navy and USMC teams
• U.S. Military All-Stars recognized by CNBSD MWR Program Director Capt. Jack Brackx, USN (Ret.)
• U.S. Military All-Stars establish San Diego Military Baseball League (25 teams). Practices and games held at Point Loma Nazarene University per arrangement with Dr. Carroll Land, Athletic Director
• First Navy vs. Marine Corps Baseball Challenge held at Point Loma Nazarene University, LEAP FROGS, COMNAVAIRPAC, Mayor of SD attend
• Present U.S. Military All-Stars schedule and coordinate over 150 appearances annually in support of the Navy Partnership in Education Program, Navy Recruiting, youth and charity organizations
• 1994 - U.S. Military All-Stars web site created.
• U.S. Military All-Stars invited to play Cuba.
• Present– Numerous military players sign professional contracts or commit to college scholarships. Over 100 personnel enlist in the military after working through a recruiter to spend time with the U.S. Military All-Stars. Numerous players return to the team after completing college and NROTC training.
• Program Founder annually briefs Admirals at COMNAVAIRPAC, COMNAVBASESD and CNRSW about the program
• Military All-Stars invited to National Baseball Congress World Series in Wichita KS and tournaments in Mexico, Canada, Alaska, Guam, Japan, Germany, Italy and Russia
• Invited to discuss possible signing of military players by the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres and other major league organizations
• 1995 – 1st of ten (10) Navy vs. Marine All-Star games held in conjunction with San Diego Padres contest. CNRSW ADM and senior USMC General throw out ceremonial first pitches. U.S. Military All-Stars schedule additional appearances with former Major League Players Association and SD Padres players on bases and in military housing areas. Create "Touch all the bases" and "Race for the Pennant" programs
• Partner with CNBSD MWR via Sports Program Manager (Harvey Simmons) to raise more than $2M over the next 4 years to benefit Navy and Marine Corps Relief and veterans charities
• 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006 Military All-Stars reign as military service champions. Program founder assists other services to establish over 30 military teams worldwide
• 1996 – U.S. Military All-Stars Appear in "Stay Navy" Recruiting Campaign commercials created by Spike Lee, Denny’s commercial with Tony Gwynn, David Letterman Show, Wheel of Fortune, Price is Right, ESPN, CNN, FOX, Navy Marine Corps News This Week, Sports Illustrated, USA Today, Navy Times, Baseball Weekly, Stars & Stripes
• Original "Navy vs. Marine Corps Baseball Challenge" event name changed to NAVY-MARINE ALL-STAR GAME
• 1997–2000 U.S. Military All-Stars compete against Colorado Silver Bullets on National TV (4) times. U.S. Military All-Stars invited to travel and play Silver Bullets on 45-city tour (All-Stars Decline due to lack of funding)
• 1998 – U.S. Military All-Stars female player, YN3 Michele Ballard is featured on cover of Baseball Weekly with Sammy Sosa and in numerous national media outlets
• 2001 – U.S. Military All-Stars host U.S. Naval Academy Preparatory School baseball team, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, and U.S. Navy in Armed Forces World Championship Series.
• 2002 – U.S. Military All-Stars featured on episode of CBS’ "JAG"
• 2003 - Program Founder recognized as 2003 HeroVet, Captain Harry T. Jenkins Memorial Leadership Award and Navy Image Finalist
• Military All-Stars Armed Forces Championship hosted by SD Padres. All-Stars host and beat the U.S. Naval Academy baseball program during spring training. Adopt new mission statement:

Mission: "To Promote the Awareness of all Americans in Support of the Honorable
Sacrifices our Brave Men and Women Make at the "Tip of the Spear"

• 2004 – Former CNRSW employee and All-Stars general manager Harvey Simmons passes away.
• 15th Annual Navy-Marine All-Star Game moves to PETCO Park. 1st Annual Navy-Air Force All-Star Game held at Camden Yards.
• U.S. Military All-Stars invited to play at over 350 locations annually including 10 Major and Minor League facilities. Continues operations as the only "joint" military baseball program in the world
• 2005 – U.S. Military All-Stars are featured in February issue of ALL-HANDS Magazine. Granted Congressional approval to coordinate first-ever "Red, White and Blue Tour of New England" Team members from all services including the U.S. Coast Guard compete against the most talented players in the nation in the NCAA sanctioned Cape Cod and New England Collegiate Baseball Leagues. 7 players on the 2005 roster joined the military for a chance to compete as a U.S. Military All-Star. Over 90 percent of the 2005 and 2006 rosters served one or more tours in Iraq. Program advancement rate is over 85 percent. Program Retention Rate over 95 percent
• U.S. Military All-Stars invited to play against TEAM USA, TEAM ITALY, TEAM RUSSIA and Chinese Taipei. All-Stars coordinate first-ever Tri-Team Game (Navy, Marines, Air Force) in memory of Harvey Simmons, LEAP FROGS appear.
• U.S. Military All-Stars post 34-6 record and win southern division of Western Baseball League earning a berth to 71st Annual National Baseball Congress World Series. Unable to attend due to lack of financial resources and deployments to Iraq
• U.S. Marine Corps team at Camp Pendleton loses funding and senior leadership due to retirement of GM/Transfer of head coach. U.S. Military All-Stars provide assistance to help select new leadership and offer opportunity for Marine team to fall under joint Military All-Stars program. Marine Program continues as one of 32 teams worldwide.
• U.S. Military All-Stars nominated by TEAM USA to play in their place at international tournament in Taiwan
• Over 5 million exposed to the U.S. Military All-Stars through media and events
• 2006 – In less than two decades the U.S. Military All-Stars have established a network of over 30 organized military baseball teams worldwide. Over 20,000 personnel have participated in the program
• Featured at 72nd National Baseball Congress World Series opening day game
• U.S. Military All-Stars begin Spring Training against Mexican League and compete in 5-game series against the Golden Baseball Professional Baseball League posting a 3-2 record and 37-17 overall with over 75 games played.
• Over 12.5 million exposed to the U.S. Military All-Stars through media and events.

2007

• 137 armed forces players were selected (many could not attend due to deployment) worldwide. Some of those that did make it could only play for a limited time. In some cases, just one inning.
• 25 million people learned about our mission at events and through the media
• 127 teams and organizations in 23 states hosted an event or appearance
• 20 tons of sports equipment collected through our Operation Slugger II partnership with USA CARES and Louisville Slugger will be enjoyed by thousands of troops currently deployed. YOU CAN STILL HELP!
• 10 critically deployed Army and Marine Corps units in Iraq will benefit from TraumaDEX Battlefield Wound treatments provided by Medafor, Inc.
• 117 Americans have made a commitment to serve our country as a member of the armed forces and two of our former players are currently in SEALS training.
• Purple Heart recipient CPL Cooper Brannon, USMC was signed by the San Diego Padres
• ENS Jonathon Johnston, USN remains deployed after being drafted by the Oakland A's in the 42nd Round of MLB Draft
• BMSN Johnny Hernandez signs contract to play for Bridgeport Bluefish of the Atlantic League coached by Tommy John

Future Plans

The U.S. Military All-Stars will continue to expand by focusing on a 5-inning exhibition format that will compliment Major, Minor and Independent professional league events. This vital shift in normal operations will still require our team to compete at a very high level. The change is designed to make the organization even more unique with the ability to be packaged and easily implemented into professional baseball entertainment formats.

In 2008, the U.S. Military All-Stars will establish the USA Baseball Association that will coordinate and include a worldwide network of 38 Military and 50 First-Responder (Police/Fire) teams. This association will serve as oversight authority for the various leagues and the USA World Series to be held 1-9 August 2008 in southern California.

USA Baseball Association will be provide vital linkage to sponsors and charitable organizations nationwide.

Established in 1990, our historic program is the fastest growing, largest, most successful, and only "joint" armed forces baseball program ever created. Over 30 military programs have been established in all services worldwide in an effort to assemble most talented U.S. Military All-Stars team to compete against the finest professional, independent and summer collegiate programs in the world.

Now in their 19th season, the U.S. Military All-Stars continue to appear at numerous major and minor league stadiums while visiting over 25 states and playing 75-100 games each year during the "Red, White and Blue Tour of America" which serves to promote the awareness and support of our troops. The patriotic backdrop for local and national media attention provides the opportunity for our highly visible program to develop permanent relationships in communities at all levels of baseball.

Operational commitments remain the top priority. We decline government funding and all personnel pay all expenses and participate while off-duty. Each year, the majority of our active duty, reserve and veteran players have recently returned from deployment in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism. Our players are among the most talented athletes in the military and have been selected among thousands of personnel worldwide to represent the armed forces. Players and staff alike understand our scope of responsibility far exceeds the games won or lost on the field. We shoulder a unique responsibility to increase the awareness of Americans in support of the honorable sacrifices our brave men and women make each and every day at the "Tip of the Spear"

In 1990, at the request of President H. Bush, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Military All-Stars founder, Lieutenant Commander Terry Allvord, USN (Ret.) created the Southwestern Baseball League while attending flight school in Pensacola, Florida. It quickly grew to over 10 teams consisting of personnel from all services. Midway through the first season an All-Star game was played. As you might imagine, the first meeting between the two teams which ironically was divided almost exclusively between Sailors and Marines was extremely competitive and required 14 innings to determine a winner. A little over 1,000 people were on hand that day to witness a hard fought 9-8 Navy victory. Immediately following that contest conversation centered on a rematch. Less than 3 months later they met again in Florida, this time it was a standing room only affair built on weeks of hype in the community. It lived up to the billing as the teams once again battled into extra innings before Navy finally exploded in the 12th inning to post a 13-7 victory of what would turn out to be many more Navy-Marine All-Star contests.

On June 27, 1992 the second annual "Military Baseball Challenge" was played at Pace High in Milton, Fl. before a capacity crowd of over 3,000. Broadcast live on WCOA radio and NBC the pre-game ceremonies highlighted appearances by members of the U.S. Senate, Congress, Naval Aviation Choir, Mayor of Pensacola and other distinguished guests.

In February 1993, Allvord passed control of the league and the Challenge to HM2 Chris Jabs. Jabs continued the streak in Florida posting victories in both 93 and 94. Meanwhile, LTjg Allvord was hard at work founding the San Diego Military Baseball League (SDMBL) and in August of 1993 military personnel were ready to face off again, this time, on the west coast. This Military Challenge was played at Point Loma Nazarene University and seen by more than 3,500 spectators who were treated to yet another competitive contest that exuded the intense rivalry the games have come to represent. Appearing at this event were the Commander, U.S. Navy Air Forces Pacific, U.S. Navy Band, U.S. Navy "Leap Frogs" Parachute Demonstration Team, U.S. Navy Chaplain, Captain W.R. Begg, Ronald McDonald and the San Diego Padres Mascot. Allvord recruited and coached both teams as Navy stretched their winning streak to six straight victories.

In 1995, LT Allvord began work to play the Military Challenge immediately following a San Diego Padres game at Jack Murphy Stadium. The timing and desire of the new Padres ownership to reach out to a very large military community made the event a perfect fit for the San Diego Padres and the City of San Diego. In the inaugural game at the "Murph" it was time for the Marine Corps to shine over the 4th of July weekend. Behind the dominant pitching of St. Louis Cardinal prospect Kevin Lucero (Signed 1991) they went on to claim their first of 6 consecutive victories. In fact, the Navy didn't wrestle the trophy back for their seventh win until the summer of 2002 when three pitchers combined to throw eight and two thirds innings of no-hit baseball downing the Marines by the score of 5-1. Navy won again in 2003 by the score of 5-3. The Marines battled right back in 2004 to win in dramatic fashion by the score of 6-5 in the bottom of the ninth. The Marines claimed a 5-3 victory again at the 16th annual game during the inaugural season at PETCO Park on 17 July 2005. On 7 July 2006, the U.S. Military All-Stars faced off against the Marines at Tony Gwynn Stadium for the first time by dominating the Marines 12-1. In 2008, the U.S. Military All-Stars will host the first "USA World Series" featuring over 50 of the top armed forces, first responder (Fire/Police), semi-professional, and summer collegiate programs in the world.

U.S. Military All-Stars Face Top Programs

The U.S. Military All-Stars continue to face the top programs in the world including professional, independent, foreign, and summer collegiate teams. In 2006, the U.S. Military All-Stars won three of five games against the Golden Baseball Professional Baseball League by earning victories over the San Diego Surf Dawgs, Long Beach Armada and the Yuma Scorpions. In addition, the team posted their first win over the Cape Cod Baseball League winning 12-11.

U.S. Military All-Stars vs. Colorado Silver Bullets

On 22 June 1994, the U.S. Military All-Stars made their debut at San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium beginning a streak of four straight victories in as many years on national television against the All-Female Colorado Silver Bullets, managed by Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Neikro.

U.S. Military All-Stars Community Outreach

The U.S. Military All-Stars represent the community and numerous charities conducting over 350 appearances at Veteran and youth organizations.

Modern Era

In 1990, the United States experienced a renaissance of organized military baseball in the “Modern Era”. Determined re-organization efforts began after a U.S. Navy program was founded in Pensacola, Florida. That initial Navy program launched nearly two decades ago, led Allvord to establish teams in every branch and ensure the growth and success of teams around the world.

With tensions in the Middle East and the current war in Iraq, the Global War on Terrorism continues to be a factor in lives of Americans each day. As a way to capture the same spirit during World War II a historic effort led by the Navy team provided a unique and patriotic arena for Americans to support their armed forces at home and abroad.

Today, [US Military All Stars] are the largest, fastest growing and most successful "joint" military program in the world. Over 25,000 personnel have participated with since 1990. In 2003, an episode of the CBS television show “JAG” was based on the programs annual Navy-Marine Corps All-Star Game featuring 2002 Cy Young award winner and Oakland Athletics pitcher Barry Zito. In 2006, the team posted an impressive 41-6 record. This remains the best performance in the history of the program and featured a 4-2 overall record against teams in the independent professional Golden Baseball League.

Following the 2008 season, the founder of the "Red, White and Blue Tour," retired U.S. Navy Commander Terry Allvord joined forces with Dan Duquette, former general manager of the Boston Red Sox, Buddy Lewis and Jerry O'Connor, executives of Nocona Athletic Goods Company (also known as Nokona) to create a new ownership group dedicated to providing opportunities for members of our Armed Forces and military academies. The new alignment created five teams at every level of baseball to create a unique "farm System" which include:

American Defenders of New Hampshire of the Can-Am Professional League managed by former Red Sox Brian Daubach, the U.S. Military All-Stars "Red, White and Blue Tour" (Domestic) managed by former major league first baseman Ivan Cruz, the U.S. Military All-Stars "Red, White and Blue Diplomacy Tour" (International) and the newly minted Latin Stars led by Ramssey Ochoa. The tour teams continued their solid reputation with an impressive .720 winning percentage built over two decades while delivering the finest patriotic entertainment possible. In 2009, over 20 tour players were offered professional contracts, making it an ideal source for future talent while posting a record of 31-6-1 against professional and summer collegiate programs.

The Pittsfield American Defenders, which has a double meaning as Defenders of America, and for a new glove made by Nokona, called the American Defender.[2]In their inaugural season, The Defenders were led by former ABCA Chairman and collegiate baseball legends Dr. Carroll Land and Coach Bob Warn assisted by Coach Ron Swen. Due to the timing of the new partnership and the desire to hold as many spots as possible for players from military schools and service academies the roster was extremely late in taking shape. The military academies had a hard time believing an premier New England Collegiate Baseball League team was interested in dedicating their efforts to provide an opportunity for their players. Add to that, a stadium under construction and at one point submerged under two feet of water and Pittsfield faced every challenge imaginable.

Navy-Marine All-Star Game

For 10 years, the Navy-Marine All-Star Game was played each summer immediately following a San Diego Padres contest and dedicated to Pearl Harbor survivor Commander Lawrence S. Jackman, U.S. Navy. The most valuable player award is dedicated to Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Wayne Kidd, USMC, who was killed in the line of duty while stationed at Camp Pendleton in March 1996. The current record for the annual contest is a 9-9 tie between the Navy and Marine Corps. The most recent contest in 2007 was claimed by the U.S. Military All-Stars defeating the Marine Corps 12-1 and played at Tony Gwynn Stadium on San Diego State University.

BACKGROUND

US Military All Stars  "RED, WHITE AND BLUE TOUR"

HOW IT BEGAN:  During a visit to the Naval Aviation Museum, President H.W. Bush discussed the positive impact baseball had on morale during WWII.  His comments initiated the development of military baseball in the modern era.  Over two decades later, we are the only program in history to wear camouflage uniforms with historical references to represent all branches of the military and first responders on one team. 

WHO WE ARE: Since 1990, more than 25,000 armed forces personnel have represented their service while paying their own expenses with a philosophy of HUSTLE, THINK, WIN!  We are the "Globetrotters" of baseball. As the largest, fastest growing and most successful barnstorming team ever created, delivering competitive, exciting "must see" patriotic entertainment enjoyed by millions visiting over 45 states and 8 countries while competing against the some of the finest organizations in the world including the Boston Red Sox. 

WHAT WE DO: Established to compete in 100 games annually at all levels while providing direct support to the State Department, Department of Defense and Recruiting while conducting over 350 appearances including international Friendship Tours on behalf of  Major Commands, Military Installations and Command Visits to benefit Veterans and Youth charities.

WHY WE DO IT:  The historic “Red, White and Blue Tour" delivers unique patriotic events designed to honor America.  We conduct a choreographed pre-game that includes "Passing the Flag" and "Walk of Honor" ceremonies to celebrate American history in a moving tribute to those lost in the 9:11 tragedy.  Our MISSION:  “To Promote the Awareness of all Americans in Support of the Honorable Sacrifices our Armed Forces make at the Tip of the Spear”  is based on the prominent yellow ribbon in the shape of an “S” located "front and center" in our distinctive “USA” logo symbolizes "Support" for our Troops and Veterans.

Our UNIQUE event develops new sponsors, corporate partners and group sales to expand your growth while delivering positive media coverage and superb community goodwill.  Dates are Limited - Book Your Event Now!