The Dodgers will once again play host to approximately 300 pre-selected active duty service members of our nation’s Armed Forces representing the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard along with veterans and their families for batting practice at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday, November 18 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in honor of Veterans Day.

On hand for the event will be Dodgers Alumni Billy Ashley, Al Downing and Roy Gleason and Dodgers Special Advisor Don Newcombe to welcome the group of active duty military members and veterans. Dodgers in-game host Dave Styles will serve as the events emcee.

Veterans Day Batting Practice is one of the most popular off-season events held at Dodger Stadium each year. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

This year’s Dodgers Veterans Day batting practice event is sponsored by Avita and Anheuser Busch and Emily Benford (aka: Emily B) – a singer songwriter and vocal director who recently competed on Season 6 of “The Voice” – will perform the national anthem.

Here is the schedule for the event:

Wednesday, November 18

11:30 a.m.                   Welcome, introductions and national anthem performance

12:00 p.m.                   Batting practice, lunch and various activities:

·         Hitting on the field

·         Throwing in the Dodgers bullpen

·         Stadium tour that includes a look into the Dodgers clubhouse

·         Hitting in the Dodgers batting cage

·         Dodgers inflatable for children and Dodgers character on hand for photos

2:00 p.m.                     Hitting contest

Participants in Wednesday’s Veterans Day event will be invited to partake in a hitting contest. The first-place prize will be Veteran of the Game recognition on April 12, 2016, when the Dodgers take on the Arizona Diamondbacks at 1:10 p.m. In addition to on-field recognition, the prize includes four field level tickets and one preferred parking pass. The second-place prize is four loge level tickets and one parking pass for a 2016 regular-season game and the third-place prize will be an autographed baseball from a current Dodger player.

Army veteran and Dodger legend Don Newcombe will be on hand to welcome active and former military members to Dodger Stadium on Wednesday. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

The Dodgers honor military personnel and veterans year-round with initiatives including the Military Hero of the Game on-field recognition that takes place during each Dodger home game. The Dodgers will launch an online form to nominate active duty, reserve or retired service members to be recognized as Veteran of the Game. Details can be found by visitingwww.dodgers.com/VOTG. For details on the Dodgers’ military programs and ticket promotions, please visit www.dodgers.com/military.

(Article courtesy of Dodgers PR Department)