It’s an off-season event that may not receive all of the hype and hoopla that other special events held at Dodger Stadium, but you’ll never convince the 300 current and former military members and their families that it wasn’t a big deal, or that it wasn’t greatly appreciated. It was the Veterans Day Batting Practice event held each year at Dodger Stadium on (or around) Veterans Day and it was once again a huge success.

Former Dodgers outfielder and Viet Nam veteran Roy Gleason (left) and former Dodgers left-hander Al Downing (third from left) pose with a group of veterans at Wednesday’s Veterans Day Batting Practice event at Dodger Stadium.

“I can never tell them how much I appreciate what they’ve done for us,” said Hall of Fame manager and Dodgers legend Tommy Lasorda. “I spent two years in the Army, I was proud to represent the United States of America. I’m sure each and every one of those veterans here are proud to be representing our country. That’s what I’m here for, to just tell them how much we appreciate what they do for us.”

Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda spends time thanking veterans for their sacrifice and service (and yes, that’s Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen running the stairs behind them).

In addition to being treated to on-field batting practice, military members past and present received commemorative T-shirts and hats, played catch on the field, were given a stadium tour that included a look into the Dodgers clubhouse, got to hit in the Dodgers indoor batting cage and throw in the Dodgers bullpen – all courtesy of event sponsors Avita and Anheuser-Busch.

A youngster is thrilled to get a new Dodgers hat at Wednesday’s Veterans Day event.

One of the more popular veterans on hand was retired Lt. Colonel Robert J. Friend of the famed Tuskegee Airmen.

“I flew P-51s in World War II from 1943 until the end of the war,” Lt. Colonel Friend said. “Seeing these young men and women here today makes me feel fantastic. Abraham Lincoln said at the height of the Civil War that this is going to be the place that everybody wanted to live; how right he was. He didn’t know how much it was going to cost – and it’s cost us a lot [in lives lost] – but the people are doing it. And I think, when I’m looking at the young people, that our country has been put into good hands.”

Lasorda with retired Tuskegee Airman Lt. Col. Robert J. Friend.

What many may not realize is that the Tuskegee Airmen of the 332 Fighter Group – often called The Red Tails – was comprised entirely of African-Americans who provided bomber escorts for B-17s that included raids over heavily-fortified Berlin. Yet during their three years of service in the European theatre, the Red Tails never lost a single bomber to enemy action while losing only six of their own during battle.

Lt. Col. Friend said that he was honored to say “It’s time for Dodger baseball” during Memorial Day ceremonies at Dodger Stadium on May 25, 2015. This was followed by a flyover by a restored P-51D Mustang identical to the one he flew during WW-II.

Dodgers legend Don Newcombe was once again on hand to sign autographs for veterans and their families. The former NL Rookie of the Year, NL MVP and Cy Young award winner spent two years in the Army during the Korean War.

“I’m 89 years old. I can’t throw batting practice anymore but I can sign autographs.” – Don Newcombe

Those on hand got an unexpected treat when Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen showed up at the stadium for his daily workout. The extremely popular right-hander took a break from his workout to spend time with the veterans and their families.

You just never know who might show up at Dodger Stadium – even Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen, who took a time out from his workout to sign a few autographs.

One of the highlights of the day was the showing of (then) Cubs outfielder Rick Monday saving an American flag from two protesters attempting to burn it. Monday later became a Dodger where he spent the final eight years of his 19-MLB career – including the World Series championship 1981 season. And, as you would expect whenever veterans get together, the singing of the National Anthem by singer-songwriter Emily Benford (from “The Voice”) was very emotional.

The singing of the National Anthem always has extra meaning for current and former military personnel.

Of course, no day at Dodger Stadium would be complete without a Dodger Dog, which were also provided for veterans and their families.

There’s nothing like a Dodger Dog when you haven’t had one for a while.

(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)