Nationals players visit Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall ahead of Memorial Day

While Major League Baseball players can be strict about sticking to their usual gameday routines, a group of Washington Nationals changed theirs up for a morning of appreciation and reflection ahead of Memorial Day.

On Tuesday, May 20, Nationals outfielder Alex Call and pitchers Cole Henry, Brad Lord, Mitchell Parker and Trevor Williams received special access at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider before visiting nearby Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

The day was a chance for the group to not only participate in a unique experience but also give thanks to current service members and honor those who have fallen.

Members of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard,” gave the players a behind-the-scenes tour of the Tomb Guard Quarters before the group watched the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

“As you’re driving by the cemetery, it takes your breath away,” said Lord. “It’s just a surreal and very special place. It’s a huge honor that they would give us a private tour and accommodate us, especially leading up to such a huge day that they are obviously very busy for. It means a lot that they would do that for us.”

The significance of the visit taking place right before Memorial Day wasn’t lost on Henry either.

“Memorial Day is a very special day for our country,” said Henry. “Lots of men and women have served and risked everything for this country, while in the grand scheme of things, baseball is kind of a small thing.”

The group then headed to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall where they learned about the base’s history and current operational services before meeting and playing catch with base members and their families.

“This is actually my first time ever throwing a baseball,” said one of the base members. “Being able to catch and throw with a professional while getting to know some of their stories is a great experience. They get to see our world, and we see their world. And for them to take time before a game, it really means a lot.”

These interactions proved to be just as meaningful to the players as they were to the service members.

“It was cool to get to meet a bunch of the guys and girls to just play catch, talk with them, hear their stories, learn how they got into the military and what it means to them,” said Lord. “It was pretty special.”

Henry added, “We got to see what goes into being an American soldier and what laying your life down on the line for your country means. It put a lot of stuff into perspective for us, and it was really cool to be able to meet them and see what everyday life is like for them.”

As the players reflected on the day, it was not lost on them that they were able to do this on a game day due to them playing and living in the nation’s capital.

“I’m trying to go see everything that I can while I’m here,” said Henry. “I’m from Alabama, so we don’t have as many cool things to do. I’m just trying to enjoy every second of being in D.C.”

Lord added, “I love this city. I love the landmarks.”

For Parker, the trip was too extraordinary to pass up, even if he was the starter for that night’s game.

“You don’t normally get many opportunities to see things like that,” said Parker. “So, if given the opportunity, it’s a no-brainer. These are cool stories that you can tell, pictures that you can take and experiences that you get to live.”

On what resonated with him most, he couldn’t narrow it down to just one aspect.

“I mean really just the whole thing,” said Parker. “From the changing of the guards to seeing their day-to-day and what it all means to them, it was just awesome.”

While the day concluded with Parker earning a win as the Nationals defeated the Braves, 5–3, the Nationals’ military engagement will continue throughout this weekend and season.

At the game on Sunday, May 25, the organization will host the Patriotic Series presented by U.S. Steel, honoring U.S. military members and first responders with special programming, pregame assets and Salute to Service. In addition, active duty, dependents, veterans, retirees, reservists, National Guard and DOD civilians with military ID or proof of service can claim two complimentary tickets while supplies last.

For more on how the Nationals honor and give back to the military and military families through various initiatives, head to nats.com/Military.

*Photos courtesy The Old Guard Public Affairs