Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph Tyler Miller | NORFOLK, Virginia (August 16, 2024) Sailors, on the Naval Air Station Airmen softball...... read more read more
NORFOLK, VA – Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolk hosted the 2024 Navy World Series Throwback Softball Game at McClure Field, August 16, 2024. Pre-game events at the stadium opened at 11 a.m. followed by the opening ceremony at 12 p.m.
This year’s Navy World Series Throwback Softball Game marks the 81st anniversary of the 1943 Navy World Series Baseball series, which pitted the Naval Training Station Blue Jackets against the Naval Air Station Airmen.
Built in 1918, the area that would become McClure Field began life as an all-purpose athletics field. By June 12, 1920, the athletics field was rebuilt into a brick baseball stadium, making it the second oldest brick-built baseball stadium in the United States. By 1943, a seven-game baseball series would mark the field's most significant historical impact.
Major League Baseball Hall of Famers of the time including, Phil Rizzuto, Pee Wee Reese, Dominic DiMaggio, Bob Feller and Eddie Robinson, would take part in the game on the side of either the Blue Jackets or the Airmen. Although the game had a famous lineup and was billed as an exciting experience, the game ended up closed to the public and press due to the threat of German U-boats off the coast. However, individuals working on the installations could still view the game.
The commanding officer of NOB Norfolk at the time, Capt. Henry McClure was the mastermind behind the series. While not a fan of baseball prior to the games, McClure became heavily invested in the sport after seeing the positive effect it had on Sailor morale. Due to these factors the athletics field was renamed the McClure Field in his honor.
While not widely remembered by the public, Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) personnel and Sailors from NAVSTA Norfolk keep its memory alive each year with a tribute softball game. Modern Sailors, each team representing their respective side of the modern installation, reformed the two original teams for the game.
“This game is important because of the comradery,” said Capt. Matthew Schlarmann, the Executive Officer of NAVSTA Norfolk and the Airman’s team manager. “It allows us to take time out of our busy work schedules to get out, do some competitive sports with each other and rebuild that friendly rivalry between the Airman and the Blue Jackets.”
For the game, the teams wear the classic uniforms of the time. To keep with the vintage feel, those in attendance could buy one-dollar hotdogs and drinks along with free throwback game themed memorabilia.
Festivities kicked off at 11 a.m. with a home run derby, which put four of the strongest batters from teams against each other. Machinery Technician First Class Jared Harper, the right fielder for the Airmen won the event.
At 12 p.m., the game began with the official coin toss, with the Airman getting to bat first. The Airmen hit hard with a strong seven-point lead in the first two innings.
The teams continued to go back and forth in evenly matched bouts, until the final inning. With a final score of 16 - 6, the Airman took home the championship for the fourth straight year.
| Date Taken: | 08.16.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 11.12.2024 09:20 |
| Story ID: | 485057 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 33 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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