University News

Red, White and Hoo: UVA Celebrates Military with Tribute Night at the Ballpark

May 13, 2023 • By Andrew Ramspacher, fpa5up@virginia.edu Andrew Ramspacher, fpa5up@virginia.edu

A fisheye look up at the U V A baseball team as they stand lined up for the national anthem and a heliocopter flys over

A pre-game flyover from a U.S. Navy helicopter got the night off to a symbolic start.

Their hats covering their hearts, baseball players from the University of Virginia and University of Louisville looked toward the American flag that towered over the wall in right-center field at Disharoon Park.

The sound of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” performed by ROTC cadet Abigail Opoku, soon blended with the chopping noise of a helicopter flying over the diamond.

Patriotism flowed from all angles Friday night at Disharoon Park as UVA kicked off its “Heroes Appreciation Weekend” with “Military Appreciation Night.” Fans entering the stadium received free “Red, White and Hoo” stickers that matched the emblem on the player's ball caps, part of the University’s new apparel line.

The evening, made better by the Wahoos’ 15-5 win over Louisville, featured a variety of tributes to UVA’s military community.

University Provost Ian Baucom, speaking at a pre-game ceremony attended by members of that community, applauded those involved with UVA’s JAG School, its ROTC programs and its Posse Veterans program.

“Without you,” Baucom said, “we would not be who we are as a university. Thank you for sharing your lives with us and making us better and bolder and stronger by being here. We want to do everything we can to support you.”

UVA, according to U.S. News & World Report’s latest rankings of colleges and universities, is the ninth-best for veterans. Since September 2021, the UVA Veteran Student Center in Newcomb Hall has served as an active space for UVA’s military community, including student veterans and ROTC students.

UVA reports more than 1,730 alumni and 550 current staff members with military affiliation (veteran or active duty). During the upcoming Final Exercises, more than 150 UVA students with military affiliation, including 33 from ROTC programs, will graduate.

In addition to its ROTC students, UVA, during the 2022-23 academic year, had more than 540 students on Grounds with veteran or active duty status.

UVA Today was on hand Friday night as all of that service was celebrated.

Candid of Ian Baucom speaking at a pre-game rception

UVA Provost Ian Baucom addresses the crowd at a pre-game reception held across the street from Disharoon Park. Baucom thanked members of the military community for their service and offered the personal story of his late brother, a veteran. “He was a patriot of his country, a patriot of his family and a patriot of his faith,” Baucom said.

Veterans greeted at the pre-game reception

Those who attended the pre-game reception were greeted with a variety of complimentary gifts, including beads, American-themed “Red White and Hoo” ballcaps and tickets to the game.

Jim Ryan with five members of the University’s military community at the pre-game reception

UVA President Jim Ryan joins members of the University’s military community at the pre-game reception.

A side view of the U V A baseball team standing for the national anthem

The UVA baseball team stands for a performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Close up of a U V A player holding their “Red White and Hoo” ballcap over their heart during the national anthem

The Cavaliers wore this special cap Friday in coordination with “Military Appreciation Night” at the ballpark and the launch of UVA’s “Red, White and Hoo” apparel line.

Three members of the U V A military community throwing the first pitches

The ceremonial first pitches came from members of UVA’s ROTC programs.

The U V A baseball team huddled together in the outfield pre-game

UVA baseball players huddle in the outfield while, in the distance, the scoreboard reminds fans the evening’s event honors the military.

UVA starting pitcher Nick Parker struck out five batters over 6 1/3 innings. He was one of many Wahoo standouts in a commanding win over Louisville.

A look out at the stadium from the stands behind home plate

A brief downpour ceased just in time for fans to file into the bleachers. Tickets were available at a discounted rate for retired and active duty military.

Rey Reyes and other members of the U V A military community being recognized during the game

Members of UVA’s military community were recognized throughout the game, including Rey Reyes, a third-year engineering student who served in the U.S. Army. He was joined on the field by President Jim Ryan and members of UVA’s Student Veterans of America chapter.

The Wahoos recorded 16 hits, including three home runs, in their series-opening win over Louisville.

Lt. Sam Hodges and the rest of the helicopter flyover crew at the game

After landing, pilots and support crew from the pre-game helicopter flyover, conducted by Lt. Sam Hodges, hustled over to the ballpark to catch some of the game. An announcer introduced the crew to enthusiastic applause.