Dragons Veteran Salute Program, presented by CareSource Military & Veterans, honors Ovidio Pugnale on April 27
DAYTON, OHIO - CareSource Military & Veterans and the Dayton Dragons will host United States Air Force veteran Ovidio Pugnale during the Dragons Veteran Salute Program presented by CareSource Military & Veterans on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 1:05PM when the Dayton Dragons take on the West Michigan Whitecaps at
DAYTON, OHIO - CareSource Military & Veterans and the Dayton Dragons will host United States Air Force veteran Ovidio Pugnale during the Dragons Veteran Salute Program presented by CareSource Military & Veterans on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 1:05PM when the Dayton Dragons take on the West Michigan Whitecaps at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. Sunday will be the first of five special Veteran Salute dates of the 2025 season.
The Dragons Veteran Salute Program presented by CareSource Military & Veterans™ provides veterans in the Dayton region with a once-in-a-lifetime experience to celebrate their service to their country. Each honoree has their story shared in front of the crowd at Day Air Ballpark, followed by a standing ovation in appreciation of the veteran's hard work and dedication both in military and civilian accomplishments.
Colonel Ovidio Pugnale’s Story:
Retired Colonel Ovidio Pugnale was born in Northern Italy in 1933. His father was in the Battle of Caporetto in WWI and was a prisoner of war that escaped. Once he got out of the military, his father did not want his family to go through the Nazi invasion and brought Ovidio, his mother, and older sister to America. After traveling for two weeks by boat and train, they arrived in Canton, Ohio.
In 1949, he began working in the brick yard before he started college at Kent State University. This was during the Korean War, so he decided to join ROTC, where he completed the Aviation Cadet Program and joined the Air Force as a Navigator in San Antonio, Texas.
He graduated from Navigator School in the top three of his class and was able to choose his assignment. He selected McGuire Air Force Base where he would fly four times a month to Frankfurt, Germany. He then attended pilot training before becoming a First Lieutenant at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) as a Co-Pilot on B-52s where he finished his bachelor’s degree with the University of Omaha.
Major Pugnale served in various places including Robins AFB in Georgia as an Aircraft Commander, Puerto Rico with the reserves, Vietnam where he was assigned to the Army strategic targeting office, the Headquarters of Strategic Air Command (SAC) at Offutt AFB, and he even completed Air War College in Montgomery, AL where he also completed his master’s degree from Auburn University. He later returned to WPAFB as the 34th Bomb Squadron Commander and finished this stint at WPAFB as the 17th Bomb Wing Commander and SAC air crew liaison to the original B-1 design team.
In 1977, he was promoted to full Colonel and sent to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base as the Director of Operations. He returned to WPAFB in 1979 as Director of Computer Operations. He amassed a combined total of over 7000 flying hours as a navigator and pilot. He retired as a full Colonel in 1980 with a Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and Joint Service and Air Force Commendation Medals.
After a short retirement, his wife found him a new job and Mr. Pugnale went on to run several successful companies from 1981-2013. Most notably, he purchased AM Bruning Micrographics to form Image Memory Systems (IMS) and became a pioneer and nationwide leader in engineering micrographics and engineering document scan conversion solutions.
Retired Colonel Ovidio Pugnale now enjoys spending time with his wife of 69 years, Val, and their four sons. In 2018, at the age of 84, he even ran a 10K at the Air Force Marathon.
To nominate a veteran in your life for the Veteran Salute Program presented by CareSource Military & Veterans, please visit *daytondragons.com/veteransalute*.
Dayton Dragons Upcoming Homestand Preview Presented by AES Ohio (June 3-8 vs. Lansing)
On Tuesday, June 3, the Dayton Dragons open a six-game series against the Lansing Lugnuts at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. View the entire Homestand Preview, presented by AES Ohio, HERE.
Whitecaps Complete Series Sweep with 11-3 Win over Dragons on Sunday
West Michigan 11, Dragons 3 Click here for the box score West Michigan (R-H-E): 11-11-2; Dayton (R-H-E): 3-6-2 Win: Ty Mattison (1-0); Loss: Nestor Lorant (0-2); Save: None HR: Dayton: None HR: West Michigan: Seth Stephenson (5th, 1 on base in fourth inning). Dayton, Ohio—West Michigan’s Kevin McGonigle collected three
Tee Higgins, Ickey Woods, Gio Bernard added for Logan Wilson Celebrity Softball Game
DAYTON, Ohio – Day Air Ballpark is excited to welcome back the Logan Wilson Celebrity Softball Game, presented by Kettering Health for the third year on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Bengals star receiver Tee Higgins has been added to the list of players expected to participate. Higgins has spent all
Briceno's 9th Inning Grand Slam Lifts West Michigan over Dragons, 7-4
West Michigan 7, Dragons 4 Click here for the box score West Michigan (R-H-E): 7-11-0; Dayton (R-H-E): 4-9-1 Win: Micah Ashman (3-2); Loss: Cody Adcock (0-3); Save: Trevin Michael (3) HR: Dayton: Carlos Jorge (4th, 0 on base in second inning). HR: West Michigan: Josue Briceno (12th, 3 on base
Whitecaps Continue High-Scoring Series with 13-2 Win over Dragons
West Michigan 13, Dragons 2 Click here for the box score West Michigan (R-H-E): 13-16-0; Dayton (R-H-E): 2-6-0 Win: Andrew Sears (3-2); Loss: Adam Serwinowski (0-4); Save: None HR: Dayton: Leo Balcazar (5th, 0 on base in fourth inning); Carter Graham (1st, 0 on base in sixth inning). HR: West
Water Street District to Host Party at the Plaza on June 6
DAYTON, Ohio -- Water Street District is set to host its second of three 2025 “Party at the Plaza” events on Friday, June 6 at Day Air Ballpark. The Dragons and Water Street District encourage fans and downtown residents to visit the plaza between 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm to
West Michigan's Josue Briceno Hits 3 Home Runs as Whitecaps Top Dragons, 14-1
West Michigan 14, Dragons 1 Click here for the box score West Michigan (R-H-E): 14-16-0; Dayton (R-H-E): 1-8-1 Win: Kenny Serwa (3-1); Loss: Brian Edgington (2-2); Save: None HR: Dayton: None HR: West Michigan: Josue Briceno, 3 (9th, 0 on base in first inning; 10th, 0 on base in fourth
Dragons Veteran Salute Program to Honor Lance Corporal Joe Kleiner on Sunday
DAYTON, Ohio -- CareSource Military & Veterans and the Dayton Dragons will host United States Marine Corps veteran Lance Corporal Joe Kleiner during the Dragons Veteran Salute Program presented by CareSource Military & Veterans on Sunday, June 1 at 1:05 pm when the Dragons take on the West Michigan Whitecaps
Dragons Battle into Extra Innings but Fall to West Michigan, 5-4
West Michigan 5, Dragons 4 (10 innings) Click here for the box score West Michigan (R-H-E): 5-8-0; Dayton (R-H-E): 4-7-1 Win: Carlos Lequerica (5-0); Loss: Easton Sikorski (2-2); Save: C.J. Weins (2) HR: Dayton: None HR: West Michigan: None Dayton, Ohio—West Michigan’s Izaac Pacheco drove in the tie-breaking run with
Dragons on Television Friday on Dayton's CW
DAYTON, OHIO—The Dayton Dragons game on Friday, May 30 will be televised live on Dayton’s CW from Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. The Dragons will host the West Michigan Whitecaps (affiliates of the Detroit Tigers). The telecast will begin at 7:00 pm. Friday’s broadcast
Dayton Dragons Police Night Presented by LION Set for June 3
DAYTON, Ohio -- In partnership with LION and the Dayton Police Department, the Dayton Dragons are excited to host Dayton Dragons Police Night presented by LION on Tuesday, June 3, when the Dragons take on the Lansing Lugnuts at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District.
Dragons Hit Three Home Runs but Fall to West Michigan, 12-7
West Michigan 12, Dragons 7 Click here for the box score West Michigan (R-H-E): 12-12-1; Dayton (R-H-E): 7-11-0 Win: Marco Jimenez (1-1); Loss: Graham Osman (2-1); Save: None HR: Dayton: Leo Balcazar (4th, 1 on base in first inning); Carlos Jorge (3rd, 2 on base in third inning); John Michael
Dragons to Recognize Academic All-Star Cortney Bonar on May 28
DAYTON, Ohio -- The Dayton Dragons Academic All-Star program presented by Edison State Community College will recognize Cortney Bonar as an Academic All-Star during pre-game festivities on Wednesday, May 28, when the Dragons take on the West Michigan Whitecaps at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street
Myles Smith Sparks Dragons to 9-6 Win, Split of 12-Game Road Trip
Dragons 9, Peoria 6 Click here for the box score Dayton (R-H-E): 9-9-2; Peoria (R-H-E): 6-8-2 Win: Gabriel Aguilera (2-2); Loss: Tyler Bradt (1-3); Save: Joseph Menefee (1) HR: Dayton: None HR: Peoria: None Peoria, Ill.—Myles Smith and Leo Balcazar produced big nights at the plate as the Dayton Dragons
Dayton Dragons Homestand Preview presented by AES Ohio (Games May 27-June 1 at Day Air Ballpark)
The Dayton Dragons open a six-game series at Dayton Air Ballpark vs. the West Michigan Whitecaps on Tuesday, May 27. View the entire Homestand Preview, presented by AES Ohio, here:
Chiefs Top Dragons 6-1; Dayton Needs a Sunday Win to Earn a Road Trip Split
Peoria 6, Dragons 1 Click here for the box score Peoria (R-H-E): 6-8-1; Dayton (R-H-E): 1-8-0 Win: Cade Winquest (1-2); Loss: Adam Serwinowski (0-3); Save: None HR: Dayton: None HR: Peoria: None Peoria, Ill.—Peoria starting pitcher Cade Winquest fired five scoreless innings and the Chiefs built an early four-run lead
Faile's Double Breaks Tie in 10th, Dragons Win 6-5 at Peoria
Dragons 6, Peoria 5 (10 innings) Click here for the box score Dayton (R-H-E): 6-8-0; Peoria (R-H-E): 5-13-1 Win: Jonah Hurney (2-2); Loss: Dionys Rodriguez (1-4); Save: Trey Braithwaite (1) HR: Dayton: None HR: Peoria: Tre Richardson (2nd, 1 on base in fourth inning). Peoria, Ill.—John Michael Faile drilled a
Dragons Hometown Heroes Program to Honor Members of U.S. Air Force Band of Flight on Tuesday Night
DAYTON, Ohio -- The Dayton Dragons will honor the United States Air Force Band of Flight as Hometown Heroes during the Dragons game on Tuesday, May 27 against the West Michigan Whitecaps at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05
Three Dayton Pitchers Combine on 2-Hit Shutout in 1-0 Dragons Win
Dragons 1, Peoria 0 Click here for the box score Dayton (R-H-E): 1-3-0; Peoria (R-H-E): 0-2-1 Win: Irvin Machuca (1-1); Loss: D.J. Carpenter (1-2); Save: Easton Sikorski (5) HR: Dayton: None HR: Peoria: None Peoria, Ill.—Dayton pitchers Luke Hayden, Irvin Machuca, and Easton Sikorski combined on a two-hit shutout as
Chiefs Edge Dragons 3-2 on Wednesday in Peoria
Peoria 3, Dragons 2 Click here for the box score Peoria (R-H-E): 3-7-1; Dayton (R-H-E): 2-6-1 Win: Hunter Hayes (1-2); Loss: Jimmy Romano (1-2); Save: Michael Watson (3) HR: Dayton: Myles Smith (1st, 1 on base in third inning). HR: Peoria: None Peoria, Ill.—The Peoria Chiefs scored two runs in
Chiefs Top Dragons 12-5 on Rainy Tuesday in Peoria
Peoria 12, Dragons 5 Click here for the box score Peoria (R-H-E): 12-12-1; Dayton (R-H-E): 5-6-2 Win: Tyler Bradt (1-2); Loss: Joseph Menefee (0-1); Save: Jawilme Ramirez (1) HR: Dayton: Ariel Almonte (2nd, 1 on base in fifth inning). HR: Peoria: Joshua Baez, 2 (3rd, 1 on base in second
Bandits Score 2 in 8th, Edge Dragons 5-4 to Split Series
Quad Cities 5, Dragons 4 Click here for the box score Quad Cities (R-H-E): 5-7-2; Dayton (R-H-E): 4-9-1 Win: A.J. Causey (4-2); Loss: Trey Braithwaite (0-1); Save: Juan Martinez (2) HR: Dayton: Connor Burns (5th, 0 on base in second inning). HR: Quad Cities: None Davenport, Iowa—The Quad Cities River
Dragons Collect Season-High 13 Hits, Win at Quad Cities 8-6 on Saturday Night
Dragons 8, Quad Cities 6 Click here for the box score Dayton (R-H-E): 8-13-1; Quad Cities (R-H-E): 6-11-2 Win: Dylan Simmons (1-2); Loss: Drew Beam (3-3); Save: Easton Sikorski (4) HR: Dayton: None HR: Quad Cities: Callan Moss (3rd, 1 on base in first inning). Davenport, Iowa—Dayton’s Connor Burns continued
Connor Burns Blasts 2 Home Runs, Dragons Hold on to Win 6-4 at Quad Cities
Dragons 6, Quad Cities 4 Click here for the box score Dayton (R-H-E): 6-11-3; Quad Cities (R-H-E): 4-8-1 Win: Brian Edgington (2-1); Loss: Felix Arronde (1-3); Save: Jonah Hurney (1) HR: Dayton: Connor Burns, 2 (3rd, 0 on base in third inning; 4th, 0 on base in sixth inning). HR:
Dragons Fall in 10 Innings at Quad Cites, 5-4 Despite Big Night from John Michael Faile
Quad Cities 5, Dragons 4 (10 innings) Click here for the box score Quad Cities (R-H-E): 5-7-1; Dayton (R-H-E): 4-6-0 Win: Jesus Rios (3-0); Loss: Irvin Machuca (0-1); Save: None HR: Dayton: John Michael Faile (6th, 0 on base in first inning). HR: Quad Cities: Bryan Gonzalez (2nd, 1 on