Belcher named Nats' 'Tribute' representative

By Bill Ladson

July 10, 2013

WASHINGTON -- Major League Baseball and PEOPLE magazine announced on Wednesday the 30 winners of the "Tribute for Heroes" campaign, a national initiative that recognizes veterans and military service members and which builds upon both organizations' commitment to honoring our country's heroes. All of the winners, each representing one of the 30 MLB clubs, will be included in All-Star Week festivities and will attend and be honored during the pregame ceremony leading up to the 2013 All-Star Game at Citi Field on Tuesday on FOX beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Fans nationwide cast their votes at TributeForHeroes.com to select 30 winners from a pool of 90 finalists. John Belcher from Tunkhannock, Pa., will represent the Nationals.

Along with MLB and PEOPLE, a guest panel including retired general Peter W. Chiarelli and retired general John M. "Jack" Keane, alongside MLB players Justin Verlander of the Tigers, Nick Swisher of the Indians, Barry Zito of the Giants, Jonny Gomes of the Red Sox, Brad Ziegler of the D-backs, Chase Headley of the Padres and Craig Stammen of the Nationals assisted in the selection process for the 90 finalists, who were then voted on by fans to select the 30 winners.

Bill Ladson is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog, All Nats All the time. He also could be found on Twitter @WashingNats.