Operation America's Pastime; Whitecaps, Thunder 94.5 Collect Gloves for Troops

August 16, 2005 - Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release

COMSTOCK PARK, MI - The West Michigan Whitecaps and Thunder 94.5 are teaming up to send U.S. Troops stationed in Iraq a small reminder of home - the tools to play baseball. Before the Whitecaps game on Friday, August 19, fans are being asked to donate new and gently used baseball gloves and balls to soldiers in Iraq as part of Operation America's Pastime, a local grass roots organization. Anyone who donates an item will receive a voucher for a free hot dog.

"We think this is a great cause and we're very excited to be a part of Operation America's Pastime," said Thunder 94.5 morning show host Tim Wall. "Baseball is such an important part of American life and our soldiers serving in Iraq should have the chance to play the game even though they're halfway around the world. Donating gloves and baseballs is a small way our listeners and Whitecaps fans can say thank you to the troops who are risking their lives daily."

Operation America's Pastime was started by Patti Gallagher, a military mother in Kalamazoo. When her son, PFC B.J. Gallagher, shipped off to Iraq, he packed his baseball glove, hoping to pass the time playing catch with his fellow soldiers. But, when he arrived in Iraq, he found that no one else had brought their gloves. Still eager to play the game, Gallagher and other soldiers fashioned gloves out of towels and duct tape and used rocks as balls. Once the Iraqi children became interested, Gallagher saw a way to connect with the locals and sent an urgent message to his Mom in Kalamazoo, asking her to send equipment. That request was the start of Operation America's Pastime.

"Teaching the Iraqi children about baseball is such a small thing, but it can reap big rewards," said Whitecaps Marketing Manager Mickey Graham. "Our hope is that by sending the troops gloves and baseballs, we can increase the quality of life for both the soldiers and the children in Iraq."

Donations for Operation America's Pastime will be accepted at Fifth Third Ballpark on Friday, August 19. For more information on the glove drive and Operation America's Pastime, log onto the Whitecaps website, www.whitecaps-baseball.com.

Midwest League Stories from August 16, 2005

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• Operation America's Pastime; Whitecaps, Thunder 94.5 Collect Gloves for Troops - West Michigan Whitecaps
• Bullpen gets a boost with return of DeLoizaga-Carney - Cedar Rapids Kernels
• Wizards catch on to Wildcat - Fort Wayne TinCaps

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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