For the 10th straight year, Historic Grainger Stadium will host one of the fiercest battles of the 2020 baseball season as baseball teams from the United States Naval Academy and the United States Air Force Academy face each other in a three-game competition for bragging rights.

Last year, after dropping the first game on a cold, wet February night to Navy, Air Force came back to sweep the next two games and win the Freedom Classic. Navy is sure to be ready to sink Air Force this year, but Air Force is likely to have a few bombs and missiles in store of Navy.

The first game will be played beginning 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 21. The first pitch for Saturday’s contest is scheduled for 2 p.m., and the Sunday game will begin at 12:30 p.m. Thirty minutes before each game will offer exciting pre-game festivities.

All active military personnel will receive free admission, regardless of branch of service. Retired military and their dependents and all veterans receive a discounted admission of $3.00. Adults (18 and above) can watch the games for $5.00 admission.

Children three and under are admitted free. Children four to 17, senior citizens, and students all receive the discounted admission of $3.00. Anyone interested in seeing all games can purchase a tournament pass for $10.00, and if you want to bring your family and friends, you can purchase a box seat for all three games for $110.00 for nine seats per game.

On Saturday, Feb. 22, at 6:30 p.m. at King’s Restaurant on US 70 Bypass the Freedom Classic will host a Saturday Night Social. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students. To obtain tickets, contact the Kinston-Lenoir County Parks and Recreation Department at 252-939-3332.

Chris Hatcher is the guest speaker for the event. Hatcher is a Kinston native who played professional baseball as a pitcher with the Miami Marlins, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Oakland Athletics. Hatcher played for Kinston High School as both a pitcher and a catcher. After graduation, he attended the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. He batted above .300 in his freshman, sophomore and junior seasons.

To reserve box seats, contact John Bass at (252) 939-3338 or Andy Spence at (252) 939-3345.

Any young people aged 7 to 15 who wonder what a service academy education is all about are urged to sign up for The Player Experience. The Player Experience will feature players from both Air Force and Navy who will be on hand to help young players hone their baseball skills. Players will also provide information about attending the Naval Academy or the Air Force Academy, both prestigious educational institutions.

The one-hour camp, to be held at Grainger Stadium, will begin with check-in at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22. The actual baseball camp will begin at 10 a.m. sharp. Included in the $10 fee is the one-hour camp, a tee shirt, and an admission ticket to the Freedom Classic series.

To pre-register for the camp, be sure to sign up by Feb. 17. Of course, any young person can come to Grainger Stadium at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22, and register for the camp – with the understanding that he or she may not receive a tee shirt.

Putting on the Freedom Classic is an expensive endeavor. The Freedom Classic revenues go into a special account that pays for the expenses the teams incur. Between players, coaches, trainers, and other personnel, each team brings between 40 to 45 people.

The Freedom Classic picks up the tab for motel accommodations, meals, and marketing expenses. The Freedom Classic also provides motel accommodations and meals for those involved in special activities, such as fly-overs and playing in bands. Monies not spent go into a special fund held in reserve for the next Freedom Classic.

The weather promises to be much better than last year, so make plans to support the Freedom Classic with your attendance – and enthusiasm. Seize the opportunity to see the spirit and determination of the latest class of Naval and Air Force officers in training.

Mike Parker is a columnist for Neuse News. You can reach him at mparker16@gmail.com.