Special day means extra to Bisons' Hague
Saturday the Buffalo Bisons honored the brave servicemen and women of the United States Military with Armed Forces Day at Coca-Cola Field. A pre game ceremony was held to pay tribute to those who serve or have served for our country. In the outfield, an American flag was held while awards were given to local Western New York veterans. Five members from the different branches threw out the first pitches.
For one Bisons player in particular, this day is a little more personal.
Infielder Matt Hague is not just thinking about baseball on Armed Forces Day. His future brother-in-law, Matt Deloia, is a graduate of West Point and has served overseas in Iraq as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army. Currently living in Virginia and working at the Pentagon, Deloia has been stationed in five difference places during his military carrer.
"I don't know the exact timeline but he has been in Washington D.C. for about a year or two," said Hague.
Hague has seen how the family aspect can change with a loved one serving in the military.
"[Matt] is the get-it-done kind of guy, so it doesn't really affect him as much as his family. That is all he knows is to serve the country,' said Hague
"From my experience, I think the families and the little kids are who it affects the most. With all the moving and especially when he goes off to war."
With a wife and three small children, Hague said Deloia does not waste any time when he is home, spending his time with his family and putting his work off to the side.
"He doesn't really talk about [work] that much," Hague said, "When he is home he is dealing with playing with the kids and trying to help Jen, his wife, out as much as he can because when he is off she is doing most of the work."
On the field, Hague is just coming off of his 14 game hitting streak - an International League best - and said that a day like today gives him extra motivation to play well and get on base.
"I think that if you are directly involved with having people that have served around you or close to you or know someone, it hits home with you a little more."
Hague himself said he never really thought of joining the Armed Forces, instead he focused his time and energy on sports. However, if he had joined he said he would probably have joined the Navy.
"I just want to say again thank you to all of the families and men that made the ultimate sacrifice. It is fun to pay a tribute to those who did make the sacrifice."