Ballpark salutes U.S. forces
By: Joseph Dellosa, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
July 22, 2005

Roger Dean Stadium this month is hosting a series of events honoring the military and public safety personnel, starting with Military Night tonight as the Jupiter Hammerheads take on the Palm Beach Cardinals at 7:05.

Recruiting representatives from the Army, Navy and Marines will throw out opening pitches. There also will be a re-enlistment ceremony for Sgt. 1st Class Craig Stevens before the game.

"It's something we started a couple of years ago, and it's just one small thing we can do to honor those who serve our country," said Rob Rabenecker, general manager at Roger Dean Stadium.

As a part of the Christmas in July celebration, the stadium's staff is accepting donations of canned food items for the Salvation Army at Saturday's game. Fans who donate three cans of food enter free.

July 29 is Heroes Night. Police, fire and emergency personnel throughout Martin and Palm Beach counties will be honored, and they will throw out opening pitches. The Cardinals play the Clearwater Threshers at 7:05 p.m.

The stadium is at 4751 Main St. in Jupiter. For more information, visit www.rogerdeanstadium.com or call 561-775-1818.

On Saturday and Sunday, the Palm Beach County Sporting Institute will sponsor the Tropical Games of the Palm Beaches.

The two-day games feature 10 sports, including boxing, chess, table tennis and weightlifting. More than 800 athletes are expected to play, said Justine Mitchell, public relations manager for the Sporting Institute. Some competitors are coming from as far away as Georgia, Maryland and Connecticut.

"The games are designed for up-and-coming athletes who are ready to break to the next level," Mitchell said.

Ryan Milmoe, 19, a Purdue University student who lives in Fort Lauderdale, is competing in weightlifting.

"It's a great experience to compete with the other athletes around the state in an Olympic-type environment," he said.

The festival will be at the South Florida Fairgrounds, 9607 Southern Blvd. in West Palm Beach. For more information, call 561-233-3180.