February 19th - On this day in sports..

In a generous display of patriotism on February 19th. 1942, The New York Yankees announced that they would admit 5,000 uniformed servicemen free to each of their home ball games during the coming season.

Can you imagine any pro sports team in this day and age giving 5,000 free tickets away everyday for the entire season to any uniformed serviceman. Especially in places like Yankee Stadium or Fenway Park where every game of the entire season is sold out at ridiculous prices..

I know World War II was on and the times were very different but there always seems to be some sort of war going on and you just don't see anything close to that kind of patriotism in big time sports anymore.


Hats off to the 1942 New York Yankee owners who were the heirs of the late Jacob Ruppert for the gesture.

Also on this date in 1935 the great Lou Gehrig signed a one year contract with the New York Yankees for a whopping $30,000. Times have certainly changed..


wil..

Padres has about 10 games a year free military, half price rest of the year.

Padres has about 10 games a year free military, half price rest of the year.
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Not surprising because San Diego is home port for the US Navy's 3rd Fleet plus several other installations like the Naval Air Station on Miramar Island and not to far away the huge Marine Training Center Camp Pendelton.


wil.