US Marine Hero (former NB Rock Cat) to be Honored TONIGHT at NB Stadium (8/10/05

If additional information is needed, please contact Bob Dowling or Courtney Nogas in Media Relations at (860) 224-8383.

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Former New Britain SS and Current US Marine Hero Tony Stevens to be Honored at Stadium

New Britain, CT- When the fans rise to sing "The Stars Spangled Banner" at New Britain Stadium before the start of the Rock Cats' game on August 10th, they will likely do so with a bit more emotion than usual. Because on that Wednesday night, Tony Stevens - a former New Britain player who quit baseball shortly after September 11, 2001 in order to join the United States Marines - will be in the middle of his old Connecticut diamond standing at attention. He will be the very special guest of the Rock Cats that evening to be publicly recognized for his character, courage, and commitment to Country.

The Rock Cats will also be working hard both on-and-off the field on Wednesday night to benefit three local CT charities the Eastern League club will be donating a portion of the evening's ticket proceeds to the National Guard Foundation, Stand Down 2005, and Operation Uplink. The National Guard Foundation is a nonprofit corporation organized for the purpose of providing temporary assistance for Connecticut National Guard and Organized Militia personnel and military families who are in need. Stand Down 2005 is an event that occurs in the Fall of 2005 that reaches out to homeless Veterans throughout the state. The third charity, Operation Uplink is an organization that works with Connecticut VFW posts to raise funds for phone cards for soldiers that are stationed oversees. The Rock Cats are most pleased to be partnering with these worthwhile charities.

Once a highly-rated Minnesota Twins' prospect - and now a Lance Cpl. in the US Marine Corps - Tony Stevens was the starting Shortstop on the 2001 New Britain team that was declared Eastern League Co-Champion after the tragic events of September 11th. As Tony started his long post-season journey home to Florida on September 12, he listened to events of that day on his car radio and thought long and hard about his obligations to the Minnesota Twins organization - and America. Shortly after his arrival in the Sunshine State, he made a decision to replace his pinstriped Rock Cats' uniform with the OD fatigues of the United States Marines. Tony Stevens was an outstanding high school athlete in Florida. He was named that state's Division 3A Basketball Player of the Year as a senior, and his extraordinary athleticism has been a great asset since joining the military. As a member of the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, the former Rock Cats star has now done two tours in the Middle East one year in Afghanistan and a second in Iraq. In the course of those two deployments, Tony Stevens is believed by senior US military officials to have survived more hostile roadside and car bombings 10! than any other American soldier. Miraculously, he has walked away from each without anything more than a scratch.

Before Lance Cpl. Stevens heads back to the Middle East for a scheduled third tour in October, he will publicly recognized at New Britain Stadium. Join us in honoring this modern American Hero on Wednesday, August 10.

Pre-game ceremonies will commence at approximately 6:25 PM with a special fly-over, presented by the Connecticut National Guard, above New Britain Stadium. In addition to a jolt of national pride, the first 1,200 Adult fans 12-and over to pass through the gates that night will receive a very unique Tony Stevens Bobblehead Doll, courtesy of Nationwide Insurance. Fans interested in participating in this special night should contact the Rock Cats (860-224-8383) to secure tickets. God Bless America!

'CATS HONOR TONY STEVENS AT HEROES NIGHT
US Marine Hero Stevens to be Honored Wednesday/ Game to Benefit Charities

New Britain, CT (8/4/05) - Former New Britain Shortstop Tony Stevens will be reconized with for his character, courage and commitment to the United States as a US Marine who has survived a record 10 hostile car and roadside bombings. A portion of the evenings ticket sales will be donated to the National Guard Foundation, Stand Down 2005 and Operation Uplink.

God Bless this Marine and all men and women of the United States military!

2 posted on 08/10/2005 12:41:27 PM PDT by nutmeg ("We're going to take things away from you on behalf of the common good." - Hillary Clinton 6/28/04)

Connecticut ping!

Consider attending the Rock Cat game tonight if you're in the New Britain area... :o)

Gates open at 6pm. Ceremony at 6:25pm. Game starts 7:05pm: New Britain Rock Cats (AA - Minnesota Twins) vs the Portland Sea Dogs (AA - Boston Red Sox)

Please Freepmail me if you want on or off my infrequent Connecticut ping list.

3 posted on 08/10/2005 12:45:31 PM PDT by nutmeg ("We're going to take things away from you on behalf of the common good." - Hillary Clinton 6/28/04)

Damn, I'll be he could toss a grenade! Guess they shoot 'em these days!

Here is hoping he survives to play again.

God Bless all of them.

5 posted on 08/10/2005 12:47:53 PM PDT by nutmeg ("We're going to take things away from you on behalf of the common good." - Hillary Clinton 6/28/04)

Here is hoping he survives to play again.

YES. Prayers for this brave Marine's safety...

6 posted on 08/10/2005 12:49:02 PM PDT by nutmeg ("We're going to take things away from you on behalf of the common good." - Hillary Clinton 6/28/04)

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