Marines honored at spring training game:

Then, when we all left the game in the 7th inning to get back to the airport, the injured Marines had to walk up, directly behind home plate, about 75 stairs to leave. Of course, it took awhile because several had canes and even more could not walk fast because the guys with the canes were at the head of the line.

As they filed up the stairs out of the stadium, in a single file line, spontaneously the crowd again all stood up and gave the Marines a standing ovation until the very last one reached the top of the stairs. Had to take 3-4 minutes. It was loud. It was crazy. The players on the field were even clapping. It was truly a proud moment for me. When the Marines got to the top of the stairs, several were crying. It was very, very emotional. Emotional for them, for me, for the crowd.

Turns out Barry Zito (SF Giants pitcher) paid for the airfare and hotel rooms for the 17 wounded Marines. I love reading stuff like that…

blackfive.net

Note: The link is to blackfive.net. If that’s a site we’re not suppose to link to, I apologize.