*  *  *  UPDATED April 24, 2017 at 12:00 pm PT  *  *  *

It’s one of those things that happens at nearly ever Dodgers home game. But unless you are actually looking for it, you will probably miss it – kind of like when the umpires used to show their respect to Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully before every home game by waving or tipping their caps to him. It is a fleeting moment that happens in the blink of an eye but is undoubtedly greatly appreciated by those receiving it.

Like most MLB ballparks, a member of the U.S. military – either current or former – is recognized for their dedication, service and sacrifice to our country at Dodger Stadium between the top and bottom halves of the third inning, after which they are escorted off the field and usually to a standing ovation. As they are doing so and off camera, there is one Dodger player who (almost) always makes it a point to be at the far end of the Dodgers dugout so that he can reach up and personally shake the hand of that day’s Military Hero of the Game. It’s not about self or about getting in some face time, or even about the game itself. It’s clearly about one American expressing his sincere gratitude to another American for their service to our country – period. That player is 32-year-old Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner.

Justin Turner expresses his gratitude to U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Anthony Leyva at a game at Dodger Stadium on April 18, 2017. If fans watch closely, they will notice that the Dodgers third baseman does this at almost every Dodgers home game. (Photo credit – Jon SooHoo)

Turner, who was acquired by the Dodgers as a free agent on February 6, 2014 when the New York Mets declined to tender him a contract [thank you for that, by the way], was born and raised in Long Beach, California – a city less than 30 miles from Dodger Stadium and a city that was home to the Long Beach Naval Shipyard until it was closed in 1997. And while it is unknown if a young Justin Turner had any personal contact or family or friends who are or were in the military, it is clear that somewhere along the way he developed a very strong personal appreciation for those who serve.

Turner was initially selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the seventh round of the 2006 MLB First-Year Player Draft out of  Cal State Fullerton but never made it above the Double-A level. After appearing in the Arizona Fall League in 2008, a then 23-year-old Turner was traded to the Baltimore Orioles along with utility player Ryan Freel and infielder Brandon Waring for catcher Ramon Hernandez. Turner was given a non-roster invitation to spring training by the Orioles, after which he was assigned to the franchise’s Triple-A affiliate Norfolk Tides for the 2009 season. As most people know, Norfolk is home to Naval Station Norfolk, which supports naval forces in the United States Fleet Forces Command.

On September 8, 2009, Turner made his major league debut with the Orioles, appearing in 12 games. And although the then 25-year-old Turner began the 2010 season back at Triple-A Norfolk, he was designated for assignment by the Orioles on May 21, 2010, but was claimed off waivers four days later by the Mets.

Over the next two seasons, Turner split time between the Mets’ Triple-A affiliate Buffalo Bisons and the big league club. It was during his time with the Mets in 2011 that the first mention of his appreciation for the military was made public. On May 30, 2011, Turner and fellow Mets Jason Isringhausen and Mike Pelfrey took part in ceremony on the deck of the USS Intrepid at the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum located at Pier 86 on the west side of Manhattan in New York City. According to a May 31, 2011 article by SB Nation’s Chris McShane, the event was very well attended.

“This is unbelievable, to be a part of this great ceremony and recognize the men and women who sacrifice their lives for our country and for us, and to be able to have the opportunity to do what we do every night,” said Turner after that event.

The first public record of Justin Turner’s appreciation for the military occurred on Memorial Day 2011 on-board the USS Intrepid at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City with Mets teammates Jason Isringhausen and Mike Pelfrey. (Photo credit – Julia Xanthos)

But whenever it was – growing up as a kid in a military town, playing minor league ball in military towns, or playing major league ball in a military town – somewhere along the way the significance of just how important those who serve had a tremendous impact on a red-headed kid from Long Beach. And the mere fact that Turner expresses his gratitude to those who have served each night at Dodger Stadium – without regard for himself – speaks volumes about @redturn2.

Thank you for those thank yous Justin.

  *  *  *  UPDATED April 24, 2017 at 12:00 pm PT  *  *  *

ThinkBlueLA has learned that Justin Turner has requested to be the face of the Dodgers upcoming Military Appreciation Night at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday, May 2, 2017. The Dodgers have recorded a video featuring JT thanking the military for everything that they do for our country. The Dodgers are also encouraging military personnel – past and present – to come out for Military Appreciation Night. More information on Military Appreciation Night and the special ticket pack can be found at Dodgers.com/ArmedForces.

As a related side note, Turner is often seen wearing the specialty camo T-shirt around the Dodgers clubhouse before batting practice.

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