U.S. Marine veteran Jesse Tingley was one of the guests who threw out a first pitch at the annual event, which now includes the baseball and softball teams playing in honor of first responders

Paul Valencia
Clark County Today

The tradition continues.

Every year, the Union High School baseball team holds an Honor Game, to recognize the military, veterans, and first responders.

The tradition grows.

This year, the baseball team and softball team combined efforts, hosting Honor Games at the same time.

First responders and veterans threw out the first pitches for both games Thursday on the high school campus. The Union High School Drumline performed in a space between the baseball and softball fields. And Battle Ground JROTC members presented the colors.

Among those recognized was Jesse Tingley, a Bronze Star recipient serving for the United States Marines.

“It was fantastic,” he said of the event. “It’s cool that they’re doing this.”

Tingley, who now lives in Hockinson, played baseball for the Ridgefield Spudders. He graduated from Ridgefield in 2004, then joined the Marines in 2005. He served two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. He spent 12 years in the service before returning to Clark County.

“It shaped me into the man I became, the father I became,” Tingley said of his time in service. “It gave me a good insight on life in general. Cherish every moment that you have, because you never know when your last one is going to be.”

He also highlighted the camaraderie he shares with all military veterans.

It might not be the same, but there is a bond among the baseball community in Southwest Washington, as well. Billy Hayes, the coach at Union, has known Tingley for years. Their sons play youth ball now.

“It’s a brotherhood that you have forever. I have lifelong friends with a lot of the players I grew up with,” Tingley said. “The baseball community is fantastic.”

Veterans and first responders who attended the games on Thursday were offered a commemorative coin.