Mets host military members for softball games

NEW YORK -- The Mets continued their season-long commitment to honoring service men and women Thursday by hosting the Mets Military Softball Classic at Citi Field.

Representatives from the Air Force, Army, Marines and Navy fielded teams and played tournament-style softball matchups in opposing corners of the Citi Field outfield before Thursday's game against the Giants. Each branch was represented with its own team, and Mets GM Sandy Alderson welcomed service members while Mets players acted as coaches during the festivities.

"It's great we have the facilities and the resources to recognize our veterans and active-duty personnel and their families," said Alderson, whose own military background is well documented. "I think they've all had a great time and it's nice to see the field used for that kind of purpose."

The club provided specially made jerseys for each branch and treated the players to a postgame buffet and tickets to Thursday's game against the San Francisco Giants.

Participants were also granted meet-and-greets with various players, including Curtis Granderson, John Mayberry Jr., Sean Gilmartin and more.

"They were very appreciative, happy to be here," Alderson said. "You can just tell from the competition they were really enjoying it."