CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- The Appalachian League announced the Bluefield Ridge Runners as the recipient of the 2024 Patriot Award. The Patriot Award is presented to a club for outstanding support and engagement with the United States Armed Forces and veterans at the ballpark and in the community.
“Receiving the Patriot Award for the 2024 Appy League season is truly a humbling experience,” said Bluefield general manager Rocky Malamisura. “The Bluefield Ridge Runners work tirelessly to show our appreciation for a group of individuals that have ensured that we remain safe and free. Our veterans, active duty servicepeople, fire, police and rescue are an integral part of our everyday life and deserve acknowledgment for their service.”
In 2024, the Ridge Runners hosted the American Legion Riley Vest Post 9 car show in the parking lot of Bowen Field in Bluefield, Va., on June 15 before the team’s Military Appreciation Day game. The team provided drinks, tents, tables, chairs and giveaways for the show as part of the event. The children in attendance enjoyed inflatables on the concourse, a playground and a sandbox.
Following the show, nearly 200 veterans and their families received free admission to the game and, upon entry, a complimentary package that included a meal, custom yard flag, hat and insulated tumbler upon admission. In recognition of their service, veterans in attendance had the dates and branches of their service displayed on the video board and through the stadium’s public address system during the game. The Ridge Runners donated the proceeds from the 50/50 raffle held during the game to the American Legion and unveiled a new banner on the concourse of Bowen Field.
All veterans received discounted admission for all home games during the 2024 season, and active duty and local active first responders were admitted free of charge. Additionally, the local Junior ROTC served as the Color Guard for the national anthem for Bluefield home games, and the local VFW sold fundraising raffle tickets during several games this season. The Missing Man Chair, a Ridge Runners tradition, was rededicated for the 2024 season during the team’s first home game.
For more information about the Appalachian League, visit appyleague.com or follow @appyleague & @appyleaguedata on Twitter, and @appyleague on Instagram.
