Bellone, Legislator Stern and Long Island Ducks Announce Return of Heroes of the Game Program for 2016 Season
For the second consecutive year, a local hero will be honored at every home game at Bethpage Ballpark, thanks to a collaborated effort between the Long Island Ducks, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, Legislator Steve Stern and New York Community Bank. Yesterday the group announced the return of the Heroes of the Game program for the 2016 season.
“Suffolk County is home to nearly 100,000 veterans, the largest veterans population in New York State. It is our obligation to provide our local heroes with the services they need once they come back home… The Heroes of the Game program is a wonderful way for thousands of local baseball fans each game to learn about our heroes’ stories and as a way to say thank you to our veterans for the sacrifices they have made to protect our freedom.” – Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone
The Heroes of the Game program publicly honors a local Veteran or an active duty service member during each LI Ducks home game. In the inaugural 2015 season of the program, over 125 Active Duty Military/Veterans were honored. This year, the Long Island Ducks, with the support of the QuackerJack Foundation, plan to honor one or more veterans or active service members for their service. Every Hero of the Game will also get 10 complimentary tickets to their honorary game, so they can share this extraordinary memory with loved ones. All honorees will have access to the Duck Club, the team’s elite restaurant and bar, usually reserved for season ticket and luxury suite holders.
“The Ducks are pleased to be able to continue this terrific program… The feedback we received from fans, veterans, sponsors and the community has been tremendously positive and we’re looking forward to another great season saluting those we owe so much to.” – Michael Pfaff, Ducks President/GM
Do You Know A Hero?
Register a Veteran or an active duty member to be recognized as of one of the Heroes of the Night by calling Alexandra VanDerlofske (631)853-5020 or via email at Alexandra.VanDerlofske@suffolkcountyny.gov.
For information on the Heroes of the Game partnership between Suffolk County and the Long Island Ducks, visit SuffolkCountyNY.gov, LIDucks.com or Visit Steve Bellone’s Facebook page.