Vets invited out to the ballpark

Tuesday figures to be a special night at Veterans Memorial Field.
The Ely Baseball Association is inviting all veterans out to the ballpark for its annual Veterans’ Night celebration.
All veterans and military personnel will be admitted free for the Northeast Substate Division II playoff doubleheader at the ballpark, and they’re also invited to take part in the on-field veterans tribute that will occur at approximately 7:15 p.m.
Veterans will also be treated to a free meal and beverage from the ballpark concession stand, courtesy of the Ely American Legion Auxiliary.
Started in 2005 during a regional tournament that brought teams from several states to Ely, the veterans tribute has become an annual part of the summer baseball season in town and is usually held in conjunction with an American Legion baseball tournament.
Ely will host an opponent to be determined Tuesday as the Junior Legion Substate playoffs begin, and the tribute - which will include a presentation of colors by the Ely Area Honor Guard - will take place prior to the home team’s game.
“We’ve done the veterans’ tribute the last 15 years or so and it has been very well received,” said Tom Coombe, head coach of Ely’s Legion team and longtime tournament director. “We’ve had some very moving opening ceremonies before our major state VFW and Legion tournaments, and it is something we want to do every year whether or not we are hosting a big tournament. We hope a lot of veterans will come out and participate.”
A sign-up sheet will be posted at the ticket booth to gain admission, and both veterans or current active military personnel are invited to come to the ballpark and go on the field for the pregame ceremony.
The veterans tribute will be part of a festive week of baseball in Ely, as 10 teams battle it out to represent the Northeast Substate at the state tournament, which will be held in early-August at Montevideo.