Still Giving Back

Throughout the 2009 season, Our Washington Nationals have freely participated and handed over 50,000 free tickets to military personnel, community service groups and needy youths. It's why during the third inning of every home game, recovering soldiers and returning troops are honored at Nationals Park. It's why the Earth Conservation Corp and The Greater Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington are honored during particular games. And it's why you see youths from The Children's National Medical Center and NIH at ball games as well.

Serving the community in which they are an active participant has become a why of life for D.C.'s Baseball Team. Just search the archives here on Nats320--it's all there. And this afternoon, Our Washington Nationals announced they will match and, in essence, double their free ticket distributions for 2009 by offering 50,000 more free tickets to military personnel, those community service groups and youth organizations throughout the greater Washington, D.C. area during this final nine game homestand.

Of particular note is a special offer to military personnel for the final home game of 2009. Next Wednesday, September 30, when The New Mets play on South Capitol Street, all active military with the proper I.D. can come to Nationals Park beginning at 12 Noon to the Grand Staircase Box Office (1st Street @ Potomac SE) and receive up to four tickets to that late afternoon's game for free. Only 5,000 tickets will be made available for the military that day in this offer and it's first come, first served.

Just more proof that a Major League Baseball Team can play a vital role in helping to bring a community together. With the 2009 Season winding down, Our Washington Nationals are still giving back.

Here is the complete team press release:

WASHINGTON NATIONALS DISTRIBUTE 50,000 FREE TICKETS TO MILITARY, COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS AND UNDER SERVED YOUTH

Ticket Donations Made Through “MLB & Players GIVE BACK” Program

The Washington Nationals today announced they have distributed 50,000 tickets for the final homestand at Nationals Park through the recently launched MLB and Players GIVE BACK Program. Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association created the program to reward and thank those people who have dedicated their lives to serving others. With these tickets, the Nationals have donated over 100,000 tickets to military personnel, wounded veterans, community service organizations and under served youth to ballgames in 2009.

“The Nationals are pleased to participate in the MLB & Players GIVE BACK Program to thank the members of the Washington, D.C. community who volunteer their time and energy to helping others,” said Nationals Vice President of Communications and Community Relations, Chartese Burnett.

The Nationals will thank all military personnel on Wednesday, September 30 at 4:35pm, when they face the New York Mets for the final home game of 2009. The team will make 5,000 complimentary tickets available to all active military personnel, limit of four per person. Tickets may be picked up beginning at noon that day, at the Nationals Park Grand Staircase Box Office, located on First Street, SE, by presenting a valid military identification. Tickets will be distributed through the first hour of the evening’s game or until 5,000 tickets have been claimed.