Continuing a soon to be four-year Fayetteville tradition, the SwampDogs will once again welcome the U.S. Military All-Stars to J.P. Riddle Stadium this summer.

The first pitch between Team Red, White and Blue and the SwampDogs is set for Sunday, at 7:05 p.m.
As part of their 20th annual “Red, White and Blue Tour of America,” the U.S. Military All-Stars will take on the Dogs in an exhibition classic.
This historic tour has become the most popular summer exhibition in the world attracting over 25 million people annually. Since their establishment in 1990, the U.S. Military All-Stars program is, “the fastest growing, largest, most successful, and only joint armed forces baseball program ever created.”

“This is truly a special event every summer,” said Darrell Handelsman, SwampDogs director of operations. “We are looking forward to continuing our wonderful relationship with Lt. Cmdr. Allvord and Team Red, White and Blue. Anytime, we, as an organization get an opportunity, to give back to our military community, we jump at the chance.”

The All-Stars are made up of active-duty, Reserve and veterans who participate in the league as well as cover their own expenses, primarily declining government funding to offer as many resources as possible to Soldiers overseas. Nearly 22,000 armed forces personnel have played for the All-Stars since its existence and have put together an impressive all-time record at 580-222 vs. collegiate, professional and semi-pro clubs.

The SwampDogs lead the all time series 3-1.

“We are very excited to be returning to Fayetteville for a fourth straight season,” said Lt. Cmdr. Terry Allvord.  “The last two summers have been rough as we have featured over 300 players on a constantly changing roster due to the war. We have added some new wrinkles to the tour to entertain fans and worked extremely hard in the off-season to get our club back to our previous 2006 shape. We went 47-6 that summer and we are looking to do it again in 2009.

“To celebrate our 20th season, we have built our largest tour ever covering over 40 states and 8 countries in 2009,” said Allvord.

“Darrell and the entire SwampDogs staff do a tremendous job with the event and it’s always nice to be so close to a military installation so we can build in some positive community appearances while we are in town.”

The Fayetteville SwampDogs are a member of the Coastal Plain League, the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 13th season, the Coastal Plain League features 14 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

The CPL gives college players the chance to refine their skills with the use of wooden bats. Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts.

For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league Web site at www.coastalplain.com.