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WWII Veteran Joe Bell Named First Military Trading Card

95 year-old local hero to take part in Salute to the Military Day
March 5, 2014

San Jose, CA- The San Jose Giants are excited to announce that 95 year-old, World War II veteran Joe Bell has been named the first trading card in their Salute to the Military Trading Card Set, presented by Operation: Care and Comfort. Bell has become an instant star over the past few days after video was taken of him in military uniform spontaneously shaking runners' hands in front of his house Sunday morning as part of a run to benefit the Pat Tillman Foundation. The video of Bell and the runners has since been viewed and shared on the Internet over one million times.

"Joe Bell represents the true essence and spirit of what it means to be an American hero," said Juliana Paoli, San Jose Giants Chief Marketing Officer. "We are honored to have Joe as the first card for our Military Trading Card Set, presented by Operation: Care and Comfort. We want to continue to encourage the community to nominate their loved ones and be part of the festivities on April 13 as we Salute the Military at Municipal Stadium."

The San Jose Giants Military Trading Card Set will be made up entirely from fan nominations of current or former members of the military. Winners will be selected in mid-March and be unveiled during the season preview press conference at San Jose Giants FanFest on Monday, March 31. Nominations will be accepted until Wednesday, March 12 and all submissions must be accompanied by a photo of the nominee, in military uniform, sent to [email protected]. Click here to submit your nomination.

First pitch for the San Jose Giants home opener will take place at 7:00 PM on Thursday, April 10 against the Bakersfield Blaze. San Jose's 2014 season begins on Thursday, April 3. The Giants will host games at Municipal Stadium on Mother's Day (May 11), Memorial Day (May 26), and Independence Day (July 4).For information on the 2014 season and ticket packages please visit sjgiants.com, call (408) 297-1435 or visit the Municipal Stadium Box Office Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.