Mike Parker: What lies ahead for the Freedom Classic?

For the first time in 10 years, the annual Freedom Classic baseball competition between teams from the U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy had to be canceled in Kinston. Mother Nature played a mean trick by dumping the only snow we are likely to see this season on our area the evening of Thursday, Feb. 20.

We received just enough snow to impact the Freedom Classic. The first step was moving the Friday game set for 6 p.m. to Saturday with a double-header set for Sunday. Field conditions were so bad that the groundskeeper at Historic Grainger Stadium, personnel from Parks and Recreation, and the team coaches decided the field was unplayable.

Scott Alston, superintendent of Parks and Recreation, said the groundskeepers can deal with rain, but dealing with melting snow that lingered well into Saturday presented a slew of other problems. All parties agreed that the playing conditions were unsafe for the players. Also, attempting to play on the field could have done damage to the home of the Down East Wood Ducks.

The coaches from Navy and Air Force moved this year’s competition to the home field of the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

But what about the preparations and sponsorships of this year’s Freedom Classic? Will sponsors get their money back?

I asked Scott that question. He said expenses in preparing for the Freedom Classic, which is self-supporting, make refunding money difficult. Tee-shirts for the Player Experience that was to precede Saturday’s game had already been printed. In addition, other tee-shirts were printed to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the classic. Player gifts had been purchased. Plus, organizers had incurred advertising expenses. Some of these items can be used for next year, but most bear the specific dates of this year’s classic, so they will not be useful next year.

And – Yes – the Freedom Classic is already scheduled for next year. Both Navy and Air Force coaches have already committed to coming to Kinston for the Freedom Classic next year.

“The coaches tell me the town is great, and the hospitality of the people of Kinston is incomparable,” Scott said. “They are excited to return next year.”

Those who were sponsors will have at least a portion of this year’s sponsorship donations count toward sponsorship of next year’s classic.

Some facts and figures demonstrate the impact of the Freedom Classic on our local economy. Average attendance for the three-game series is around 2,500 per game. Between 30 and 50 parents follow teams into Kinston each year. Players, coaches, staff and parents occupy between 80 and 100 hotel rooms that weekend.

In addition to the economic impact of players, coaches and parents, between 200 and 400 people come from out-of-town to eat at Kinston restaurants.

Each year, the Freedom Classic holds a banquet and Saturday night social at King’s Restaurant on the US 70 Bypass. This year, Chris Hatcher was scheduled as the guest speaker. 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.

In my view, the most important aspect of the Freedom Classic is our community’s opportunity to honor and give a “Thank You” to our military. All active military personnel are admitted free. Retired military, military dependents, and veterans receive a reduced admission cost.

The Freedom Classic always offers stirring pre-game events designed to recognize and show appreciation for the military. This year, helicopters from New River Air Station, the F-15E Strike Eagles from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, and the Bandit Flight Team out of Raleigh were all scheduled for pre-game flyovers.

We are all disappointed this year’s Freedom Classic had to be canceled and the games moved. But we must never forget the purpose of sponsorships is not just to see baseball games. The true purpose is to honor and appreciate those who protect us and ensure our liberties.

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