"Team Shaw Appreciation Night" begins at Capital City Stadium in Columbia, S.C., July 21, 2012, as the crowd gathers to watch baseball and show their support. Team Shaw headlined the opening ceremonies for the Blowfish's game against the Gastonia Grizzlies. (U.S. Air Force Photo/ Senior Airman Neil D. Warner/Released)
The "Team Shaw Appreciation Night" began at 7 p.m., July 21, 2012, as children met the players. Afterwards members of Team Shaw headlined the opening ceremonies for the Columbia Blowfish's game against the Gastonia Grizzlies. (U.S. Air Force Photo/ Senior Airman Neil D. Warner/Released)
U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Lawrence Wells, 9th Air Force commander, throws out the opening pitch at a Columbia Blowfish baseball game during "Team Shaw Appreciation Night", July 21, 2012, Capital City Stadium Columbia, S.C. The "Team Shaw Appreciation Night" began at 7 p.m. with members of Team Shaw headlining the opening ceremonies for the Blowfish's game against the Gastonia Grizzlies. (U.S. Air Force Photo/ Senior Airman Neil D. Warner/Released)
U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Lawrence Wells, 9th Air Force commander, watches the "Team Shaw Appreciation Night" opening ceremonies accompanied by his wife Kathy, July 21, 2012. Airmen and Soldiers from Team Shaw, which includes the 20th Fighter Wing, 9th Air Force/AFCENT and Third Army/ARCENT, were all honored by the Blowfish. (U.S. Air Force Photo/ Senior Airman Neil D. Warner/Released)
Members of a Team Shaw color guard present the colors for the opening ceremony of the "Team Shaw Appreciation Night", July 21, 2012, at Columbia's Capital City Stadium. The ceremony opened for the Blowfish's game against the Gastonia Grizzlies. (U.S. Air Force Photo/ Senior Airman Neil D. Warner/Released)
by 2nd Lt. Earon Brown
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
7/24/2012 - SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Airmen and Soldiers from Team Shaw, which includes the 20th Fighter Wing, 9th Air Force/AFCENT and Third Army/ARCENT were invited out to Capital City Stadium in Columbia for a free night of baseball with the Columbia Blowfish July 21.
The Team Shaw Appreciation Night began at 7 p.m. with children playing catch with the players. After catch, members of Team Shaw headlined the opening ceremonies for the Blowfish's game against the Gastonia Grizzlies.
Maj. Gen. Lawrence Wells, 9th Air Force commander, had the honor of throwing the first pitch and was accompanied by his wife Kathy.
Following the first pitch and the starting line-up, members of a Team Shaw color guard presented the colors while Sergeant Jeremy Levens, Third Army/ARCENT Special Troop Battalion chaplain assistant, sang the national anthem.
It was all very well done, said attendee Master Sgt. Owen Robertson, the unit deployment manager for the 28th Operational Weather Squadron. "I think it was a great representation for the entire crowd here tonight."
Robertson's family was one of many lining the bleachers with baseball gloves at the ready.
"I'm enjoying the game," said Robertson. "I've got my wife and the two kids with me and I couldn't be happier. They're having a great time."
"The event came together really well," said Kelly Evans, assistant general manager for the Blowfish. "The turnout was great and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. This was just a great event to get people out here and aware of the Blowfish, as well as recognize our heroes. Thank you so very much for everything you do. We really appreciate it."
