The Greater Cleveland Adult Baseball’s Lake Erie SeaDogs are returning this year to host the U.S. Military WarDogs for its third annual charity baseball game at Classic Auto Group Park in Eastlake, home of the Lake County Captains.
The SeaDogs will face the WarDogs on July 4 at 35300 Vine St. The Captains 5K will commence at 8:30 a.m. and will be followed by a patriotic, pregame ceremony honoring veterans, active-duty military members, first responders and a Gold Star Family before the first pitch at 1 p.m.
The SeaDogs and WarDogs will then take the field in a game that celebrates service, sacrifice and America’s pastime, said SeaDogs Manager Michael Gandee.
Tickets are currently available through the Lake County Captains ticket office and online through the Captains website. Tickets will also be available for purchase on game day at the stadium box office subject to availability.
Veterans, active-military personnel and first responders can also obtain complimentary tickets through VetTix, and FirstTix while supplies last.
Gandee said this year’s game is especially meaningful as it is part of Lake County’s America 250 celebration, commemorating the nation’s 250th birthday.
“What started as a baseball game has evolved into a patriotic community event focused on honoring those who have served our country and those who continue to sacrifice for our freedoms,” he said.
The Greater Cleveland Adult Baseball’s Lake Erie SeaDogs are returning this year to host the U.S. Military WarDogs for its third annual charity baseball game at Classic Auto Group Park in Eastlake. (Lake Erie SeaDogs)
The Greater Cleveland Adult Baseball’s Lake Erie SeaDogs are returning this year to host the U.S. Military WarDogs for its third annual charity baseball game at Classic Auto Group Park in Eastlake. (Lake Erie SeaDogs)
The Greater Cleveland Adult Baseball’s Lake Erie SeaDogs are returning this year to host the U.S. Military WarDogs for its third annual charity baseball game at Classic Auto Group Park in Eastlake. (Lake Erie SeaDogs)
The Greater Cleveland Adult Baseball’s Lake Erie SeaDogs are returning this year to host the U.S. Military WarDogs for its third annual charity baseball game at Classic Auto Group Park in Eastlake. (Lake Erie SeaDogs)
The Greater Cleveland Adult Baseball’s Lake Erie SeaDogs are returning this year to host the U.S. Military WarDogs for its third annual charity baseball game at Classic Auto Group Park in Eastlake. (Lake Erie SeaDogs)
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The Greater Cleveland Adult Baseball’s Lake Erie SeaDogs are returning this year to host the U.S. Military WarDogs for its third annual charity baseball game at Classic Auto Group Park in Eastlake. (Lake Erie SeaDogs)
In addition to the game, the Captains 5K is being hosted by GCXC Race Cleveland, creating a full day of family-friendly activities leading into the holiday festivities, Gandee said.
Gandee said this event is about much more than baseball.
“It provides an opportunity for our community to come together and recognize the men, and women who have worn our nation’s uniform, as well as the families who have sacrificed alongside them,” he said.
The WarDogs organization uses baseball as a platform to support veterans, active-duty service members and military families while fostering camaraderie, and healing through the game, Gandee said.
“For the SeaDogs, it is an honor to partner with an organization whose mission aligns so closely with service, patriotism and community,” he said. “The impact of this event can be seen every year. Veterans reconnect with fellow service members, families gain a greater appreciation for the sacrifices made on their behalf and younger generations learn firsthand about the importance of honoring those who serve.”
The Greater Cleveland Adult Baseball’s Lake Erie SeaDogs are returning this year to host the U.S. Military WarDogs for its third annual charity baseball game at Classic Auto Group Park in Eastlake. (Lake Erie SeaDogs)
Gandee hopes attendees leave with a sense of gratitude and a deeper appreciation for the freedoms that are enjoyed.
“One of the most meaningful moments of this year’s event will be honoring the family of Army Staff Sgt. Kyle Robert McKee of Leroy Township,” he said. “McKee was a 2003 graduate of Riverside High School who served our nation in the Army. Tragically, (McKee) was killed in a Black Hawk helicopter crash in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula while serving on a peacekeeping mission with the Multinational Force and Observers.”
McKee was only 35 years old at the time of his death.
“While we can never fully repay the debt owed to our fallen heroes and their families, we can ensure their stories are remembered and their sacrifices are never forgotten,” Gandee said.
He credits those who have helped make this event possible, which includes the Captains, WarDogs, sponsors, volunteers and community members who continue to support this mission.
“We hope fans leave with pride in our country, appreciation for those who serve and memories that will last a lifetime,” Gandee added.