American All-Stars Baseball Team Receives Gift from WW II Veteran

We all know baseball to be America’s greatest pastime.

But if it weren’t for veterans like Dean Jacobson who served in World War II, our freedom to enjoy activities like baseball wouldn’t be here. Jacobson was going through his closet when he came across this Old Glory from the war.

“Well I’m tickled to death, I had the flag, and I wanted to see it to go some place where it would be appreciated, and some place where it would be open to the public,” says Jacobson.

Jacobson’s flag got some media attention, and caught the eye of the U.S. Military All-Stars Baseball Team. “They asked me if they could have that flag, and I said absolutely,” says Jacobson. As Jacobson learned more about what the U.S Military All-Stars stood for, he was eager to give it to them. The mission of the U.S Military Baseball Team is to support the sacrifices our armed forces make at the “tip of the spear.”

The U.S Military All-Stars say Dean Jacobson’s flag represents honor to inspire future young heroes right here in the Tri-Cities. The military baseball team comprised of veterans and those currently serving our country played ball with the Southridge High School Bandits. Players on both teams felt inspired as Jacobson was honored at the game.

“It lets me know that there is a future to be had, there are men and women ready to stand guard,
and fight for our country,” says Russell Pablo of the U.S. Military All-Stars.

“It makes us appreciate them a lot more than we realize, that we’re playing baseball because of what they’re doing,” says Bradley Morgen of Southridge High.

Eight-year old Benjamin Newbry who loves baseball says seeing the U.S. Military All-Stars and the delivery of Jacobson’s flag also inspired him. “It’s just cool to see, like how they are here, and we wouldn’t be doing this stuff if it weren’t for them,” says Newbry. In turn, the younger generation inspires Jacobson. “They mean a lot, they’re doing a lot for this country, and with things going on today, and they put their heart and soul into it, and I appreciate it a lot,” says Jacobson.

Jacobson’s flag will travel around the country with America’s All-Stars team.