Mustangs honor Umpire Crew who served in U.S. Army
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The St. Joseph Mustangs love celebrating America during the July 4 weekend like most, and were able to mark the occasion by recognizing Friday's umpire crew in a special way.
"This year, it really worked out, special for us. It's our umpire crew, and they're all veterans. And so they're actually going to be our local heroes that we're going to honor beforehand," St. Joseph Mustangs owner and GM Ky Turner shared.
Those three umpires honored for their service were Kristopher Haddock, James Wentworth, and Chris Andes, all of whom served in the U.S. Army.
Wentworth served in the U.S. Army for 9 years as a Combat Medic and Medical Equipment Repair Specialist. Specialist Wentworth was deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm with the 410th EVAD Hospital.
Wentworth is continuing his commitment and service with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5789 in Lee's Summit, MO.
He was deeply appreciative of the time taken to honor him and fellow umpire crew members on Friday.
"It's really refreshing to see the fans, our communities, want to step up and recognize vets. You can't, you can't beat that because folks have dedicated a lot to service for their country," Wentworth stated. "So it's really a great opportunity for us to celebrate together. It's good to be a part of it. "
Haddock spent just shy of 10 years in the U.S. Army. Deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
After sustaining injuries in his deployment to Afghanistan in 2009-2010, Sargent Haddock was retired in 2012. He continues his commitment and service as a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1000 in Independence, MO.
Haddock loves any chance he gets to umpire at Phil Welch in St. Joseph and thinks a lot of the Mustangs Organization.
"These guys take care of us and this community really rallies behind this, this team. It's a pretty good time to," Haddock said. "To come out here and enjoy a good game. It makes it even better when the fans get into it. It really brings out the. The life of the game. "
Andes is currently serving his 30th year of service in the U.S. Army. Master Sargent Andes has served in multiple roles, in multiple conflicts, and here at home, from Hurricane Katrina relief to combat operations in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Desert Shield, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Master Sargent Andes is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5789 in Lee's Summit, MO, and is set to retire in August of 2027 with over 30+ years of service.
The MINK League All-Star game will take place at Phil Welch Stadium on Wednesday, July 8, with first pitch at 6:30 pm. The next St. Joseph Mustangs home game will be on Friday, July 10, when they'll take on the Nevada Griffons.
