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Players take to Twitter to thank troops

Amid full Memorial Day slate, many express gratitude for freedom across U.S.

By AJ Cassavell

Across Major League Baseball this Memorial Day, players took to Twitter to pay tribute to the men and women who have served -- or are currently serving -- in the military.

The overwhelming sentiment was one of gratitude toward veterans past and present, as well as the current members of the armed forces. Here are a few of those tweets:

• Before the Angels' game against the Padres, Mike Trout tweeted: "To those who have & currently serve...THANK YOU. Thank you for allowing us the freedom to chase our dreams!! #MemorialDay"

• Said injured Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright: "Happy Memorial Day! Thanks to all our brave servicemen and women who have kept and are keeping this wonderful country safe! True heroes!"

• Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen tweeted, "Honoring and remembering all who have and are currently serving. #AmericanHeroes #Heroes #MemorialDay" before his club took on the Marlins in Pittsburgh.

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• Boston's David Ortiz tweeted a photo of the massive American flag draped over the Green Monster at Fenway Park, saying, "Salute 2 the men & woman who serve this country....thx 4 everything you do #MemorialDay"

• A pair of St. Louis infielders also paid tribute. Said third baseman Matt Carpenter: "Today we remember and cherish all who have served this country.Those who have fought or continue 2 fight for our freedom #MemorialDay #usa"

• And Kolten Wong tweeted: "Thank you very much to the service men and women who gave their lives for the freedom of mine #MemorialDay #RealHeroes"

• Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer was particularly impressed with MLB's Memorial Day jerseys, and he tweeted, "Memorial Day jerseys in New York today ... thank you to all who made the ultimate sacrifice!"

• Rays third baseman Evan Longoria tweeted a picture of his daughter behind an American flag, saying, "Happy Memorial Day. Thank you to all Veterans. #USA"

• Said D-backs hurler Archie Bradley: "Humbled to be playing here on Memorial Day to honor the men and women who serve this great country #HappyMemorialDay"

Bradley also tweeted a photo of the Gateway Arch overlooking Busch Stadium in St. Louis.

• Said Dodgers reliever Chris Hatcher: "Thank you to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice defending our freedoms. I am forever in debt to your service. Happy Memorial Day."

• And Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon paid tribute as well, saying, "Thank you to all the service men and women who help protect our country! Happy Memorial Day"

AJ Cassavell is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @ajcassavell.