Inaugural Miami Chapter 2018
Mr. Andrew Marshall, National Commander of the DAV (2021/22), First Pitch Honor, and Billy.
How Our Chapter Started
Our inaugural chapter has its roots in the July 5, 2016, game between the Marlins and the Braves, held at Ft Bragg, NC. To the best of our knowledge, it was the first MLB game held at an active military base. While watching that game, a light bulb went off. How can we get veterans to attend baseball games to fill the many empty seats at weekday games? It took more than a year of learning, planning, and working. Vetbaseball was the result.
Our first trip was May 17, 2018, with two buses from the Alexander Nininger VA Nursing Home, Pembroke Pines, FL. Since then, we have hosted just over 2,200 Veterans to Marlins games, and expect to host another 500 this 2025 season.
To date, the Miami Chapter has provided a game day experience to over 3000 veterans!
Here is where it all started. We depend on dedicated volunteers to make our trips safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Thank you, one and all!
Miami Chapter Volunteers
Ray Palecek, Game Day and Volunteer Coordinator, US Army Veteran
Tamika and Nigel Anderson, Rudy Horak, US Air Force Veteran
Pat Caruso, John “Drew” Gregg, Patty Whetzel Copalko
Denise Sandstrom, Maxine Millman, Patricia Nagle Meneses
Stephanie Krutchik, Lynne Sparling, Estella Galarza, Ricardo Rivera, Army Vet.
