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| Sailors Meet San Diego Padres Pitcher |
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| By Journalist 3rd Class (SW) Nick Young / Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific |
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SAN DIEGO, Aug. 18, 2005 - San Diego Padres pitcher Trevor Hoffman signed autographs and met with more than 100 sailors and their families at Naval Base Coronado Aug. 12.
The signing was one of three such opportunities for sailors to meet with players this year, which Morale Welfare and Recreation organized with the Padres ball club, according to Jack Ensch, Padres’ director of military marketing.
“We are always working to support our military. The players volunteer their time. We set up the base signings with MWR, then the guys sign up. They really enjoy themselves here,” said Ensch.
Service members lined up to get baseballs, photos and memorabilia signed by Hoffman, the Padres' closer.
Machinist's Mate 1st Class Lance Buell, who works at Southwest Regional Maintenance Center San Diego, brought three of his five kids to get baseballs and Padres shirts signed.
“I think it is terrific that Trevor came out here for us," said Buell. "It is really hard to get a chance to meet guys like him. My boys love it."
MWR also provides active-duty service members with more in terms of sports than just autographs.
“We have season tickets to all home games for the Padres and the Chargers. We sell those tickets at discounted rates for all service members," said Peggy Hatfield, MWR’s regional ticket manager. "Plans are in place for us to start a program with NASCAR. We are always trying new things."
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