PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Salute to Service Night made its mark for Armed Forces Weekend in the city that signed the Declaration of Independence, as the Philadelphia Phillies hosted the Pittsburgh Pirates in the second game of their three-game series at Citizens Bank Park. Myself, Matthew Tallarini—founder and chief correspondent of World Baseball Network—and Lou Bernardi, a former independent professional pitcher and current pitching coach at the United States Merchant Marine Academy, who also serves as a media advisor for World Baseball Network, were on-site.
During the pregame festivities, fans witnessed an impressive flyover featuring Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters during the national anthem.
PHILLIES SALUTE TO SERVICE ????️#RingTheBell #Phillies#SalutetoService pic.twitter.com/6IBcIER0CL
— Phillies Beisbol Network (@Philliesbeisbol) May 18, 2025
Saturday’s pregame ceremony at Citizens Bank Park honored veterans from multiple conflicts, local heroes, and advocates from Team Foster. The program included a ceremonial first pitch by retired Army Corporal David Billingsley, a flyover by U.S. Army Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters, and musical performances by the U.S. Air Force Heritage Brass Quintet.
Today we honored local heroes during the Salute to Service Night, including Corporoal David Billingsley who threw the ceremonial first pitch! pic.twitter.com/3RwbkkRtbb
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) May 17, 2025
MLB’s Commitment to Service
Numerous baseball legends, including Willie Mays, Yogi Berra, Ted Williams, and Joe DiMaggio, served their country while making history on the diamond. Military institutions across the United States continue to shape student-athletes who serve during or after their academic careers—particularly those not recruited by MLB or independent clubs.
Major League Baseball has embraced that legacy with its ongoing tradition of Salute to Service nights across the league, highlighted by camo caps, in-game tributes, and community engagement events during Armed Forces Weekend
Brent Strom, assistant pitching coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates, reflected on what the weekend means to him:
“It’s a special time. I make it a point every time I come in from the bullpen to shake hands with security—whoever’s in front of our dugout—and thank them for their service. My dad was a Marine—fought in World War II—and I remember looking at his dress blues, which I thought were the best-looking uniforms in the service. I have a fondness for the military and what they bring. My wife and I pray for them every night.”
Philadelphia Phillies Designated Hitter Kyle Schwarber spoke to the deeper meaning of playing on a weekend like this:
“It’s a big deal. We’re fortunate to have the freedoms we do, to play this great game, and to have fans come out and enjoy it. Some of those fans are veterans or active-duty service members. For our active members, veterans, and Gold Star families—we can’t thank them enough.”
