Nationals celebrate July 4 with service members across the globe

The Washington Nationals will celebrate July Fourth with service members across the world as the team’s game vs. the Cincinnati Reds will be simulcast to bases everywhere via the American Forces Network as part of AFN’s partnership with Major League Baseball. The Nationals will also hold a special watch party with military members stationed at Al Udeid Air Base, which hosts the largest expeditionary wing in the world, as part of the first edition of Nats on Base Abroad.

“Honoring and supporting our nation’s military and their families is central to who we are as an organization,” said Mark D. Lerner, Washington Nationals Managing Principal Owner. “We’re incredibly proud to expand our Nats on Base program to deliver the Nationals Park experience to thousands of our troops stationed overseas, while also reaching service members worldwide thanks to the American Forces Network.” 

Former Nationals first baseman Adam LaRoche, host Mike Ploger and mascot Screech will bring our nation’s pastime to military members stationed at AUAB, including an honorary first pitch, ballpark games, prizes and a very special Salute to Service. Live footage from the watch party will be integrated into the game’s video board programming and MASN telecast, creating a true international viewing event. Lerner Sports Chief Operating Officer and Washington Nationals Partner Alan H. Gottlieb will accompany a staff of community engagement, marketing and video production personnel to the base, representing the Washington Nationals organization and providing troops with the most authentic gameday experience possible.

The Nationals are proud to welcome family of service members stationed at AUAB to Nationals Park for the game and will air special messages from players, troops and their families on the video board during the game and throughout the MASN and AFN simulcast.

This July Fourth marks the 80th anniversary of the American Forces Network’s first radio broadcast to U.S. troops in Europe during World War II. Corporal Syl Binkin delivered the radio address in England, becoming America’s first military broadcaster. 

The July Fourth game vs. Cincinnati is scheduled for 11:05 a.m. Visit nats.com/Fourth for more information.