NEW YORK - Few people can say they're married to a major league ball player. But now a few New York Air National Guard spouses can say their Airman was a "New York Met for a day."
"There's nothing like sitting in VIP watching your husband, who is literally your All-Star, being a star on a team of stars," said Rebecca Hoag, wife of New York Air National Guard Tech Sgt. Robert Hoag, a member of the 105th Airlift Wing.
Hoag and 19 other members of the New York Air National Guard's 105th Airlift Wing and 106th Rescue Wing took part in a daylong event on June 11 in which they met Mets players, played some softball with them, and stayed to watch a game.
Members of the Air Force, Army, Marines and the Navy fielded teams and played in tournament-style softball matchups in opposing corners of Citi Field, the Mets home stadium, prior to a game against the San Francisco Giants.
The New York Air Guard members represented the Air Force in the contest.
"This a continuation of what the Mets have done for the last eight years for the Armed Forces and their families and every year they advance their programs a notch more," said Steven Castleton, the Mets law enforcement and military liaison.
The Mets "Military Softball Classic" is a way for the team to show appreciation to service members, Castleton said.
The team also hosts Military Mondays in which players wear camouflage on the field during games and go to visit veterans hospitals. Team members have also visited Fort Hamilton, the Army post in Brooklyn, to bowl with veterans and serving Soldiers.
"This is an awesome experience, awesome opportunity and tremendous energy to be playing out on the Mets field," said Maj. Patrick McCarry, a member of the 106th Rescue Wing.
Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson welcomed service members to the event, while Mets players acted as coaches. They also took time to discuss baseball and its connection to service from both a professional and personal perspective.
"The Mets are very proud of our Armed Forces and the service each member renders our country," Alderson said.
Alderson , who served in the Marine Corps, reminded the players to keep it clean and promised no contracts but did note he had a couple of scouts who would be observing play.
He was presented a special armed services flag memento signed by all the players.
New York Mets players who took part included Anthony Recker, Jeurys Familia, Hansel Robles, Jack Leathersich and Carlos Torres.
"We are ultimately appreciative to the Mets organization-their players, resources and time," said Maj. Matthew Lohmer, a member of the 106th.
The best part of the day was playing as an Air Guard/Air Force ream, said 2nd Lt. Luz Garcia, a member of the 105th Airlift Wing.
"Being the only female on the team from the 105th, on this day and on the baseball field, it is another reminder how we are an all-encompassing force in the squadron or here on the baseball diamond-our capabilities are inevitable," Garcia said.
In the end, the Marine Corps/Coast Guard team won the tournament. Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Dustin Stevenson was named Most Valuable Player.
"It was a great game and we are all winners because our camaraderie never faded," 105th Airlift Wing Staff Sgt. Michael Fleming said.
"This was a once in a lifetime experience, being out there on the field," Senior Airman Dennis King , a 105th member, added.
Final activities included a buffet-style meal for players and families, complete with tickets to the evening game New York Mets vs. San Francisco Giants.