Alumni game, Vets’ night set for ballpark Former players invited back tonight, veterans event set for Saturday, Aug. 1

Two summer traditions at Veterans Memorial Field will continue, even in a baseball season that’s been disrupted by the coronavirus.
Tonight, about 20 former Ely American Legion baseball players will compete in the annual Ely Alumni Game, set for 7 p.m. at the historic ballpark.
Next Saturday, Aug. 1, all veterans are invited to the field for the annual Veterans Day and program, which is tentatively set for 2:30 p.m., just prior to Ely’s first game in the Senior Babe Ruth playoffs.
Both events have become staples of the ballpark schedule, and will go on this year in a summer baseball season that has been assembled hastily, after spring seasons were wiped out because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These are both such a big part of our summer at the ballpark,” said Coombe. “We thought it was important for both to continue this year even though we haven’t had a whole lot of time to organize. It’s always so nice to see our former players come back for the alumni game, and the veterans ceremony is very moving, and very important I think to do.”
Coming on the tail end of this weekend’s five-team Ely Baseball Blueberry Bash, the alumni game will bring former Legion players from several decades back to participate.
Some of the notable names set to participate include Bill Mobilia, a 1989 Ely graduate who went on to start at shortstop for three seasons for the University of Minnesota.
Other names from Ely’s recent and distant baseball past, including Louie Gerzin, Will Gustafson, Ben Povhe and Chad Davis, are slated to participate.
All former Ely Legion players are welcome to attend and participate, although interested alumni are asked to be at the ballpark by 6:15 p.m. to try on uniform pants and jerseys.
• Veterans Day ceremonies at the ballpark have been on the docket since 2005 and this year’s event is part of a full day of baseball on Aug. 1.
Ely is set to host its first playoff game at 2:30 p.m., and the ceremony will take place prior to the game.
All veterans will receive free admission as well as a free hot dog and beverage, courtesy of the Ely Baseball Association, and veterans will be invited to come on to the field for the playing of the national anthem.