“They wore spikes, not boots. They wore caps, not helmets. They carried bats and gloves, not rifles.” This is how one reporter described the U.S. Military All-Stars just before they were to play the Boston Red Sox.
Former Red Sox GM, and previous director of player development for the U.S. Military All-Stars, Dan Duquette, said, “They are the best of the best in the armed forces.”
The organizing committee of the Grand Forks International Baseball Tournament (GFI) is very excited to announce that the only military barnstorming team in the world will be making their Canadian debut at the 2012 GFI tournament.
This team was formed in 1990 and travels throughout the United States each summer, playing 100 games in up to 45 states. They have also played in several countries.
Lt.-Cmdr. of the United States Navy (Ret.) Terry Allvord founded the program 23 years ago and continues to lead this unique team, which is made up of all branches of the military. Their players are selected among thousands of personnel worldwide and represent some of the most talented athletes in the armed forces.
They have been called the Harlem Globetrotters of baseball. They are not funded by anyone but take time off their schedule and travel on their own dime. They just love the game of baseball and want to go tour.
They may have a catcher that’s part of the marine corps and the pitcher might be from the Navy; the second baseman might be part of the Army and the first baseman part of the National Guard. They also try and get first responders involved.
GFI President Gerry Foster says, “For this team to be in the lineup at the 2012 GFI for their initial appearance in Canada is remarkable; having the U.S. Military All-Stars accept our invitation is special and we are appreciative of their willingness to be part of North America’s richest invitational baseball tournament.”
– Grand Forks International Baseball Tournament organizing committee