Official Game Day Program
Week of June 30, 2014
www.nwioilmen.com
Vol 1., Issue 6
Don’t miss Whiting’s annual Fourth of July Parade with guest appearances by Mickey and Minnie Mouse! PAGE 37
Bring your dog to the ballpark and support Gimme Shelter on July 5. Page 39
On July 1, the Northwest Indiana Oilmen join Habitat for Humanity and the NWI Veterans Action Council to raise funds for the Veterans Build Project, which builds homes for veterans. Page 3
Support Bryce Nowakowski, who is fighting for his life, at the MCL All-Star Benefit Game on July 9. Page 38
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July 1, 2014 Dear Northwest Indiana Oilmen Fans, It is with deep regret we are not able to play our annual July 1st event in Whiting honoring our servicemen and veterans this year due to unexpected illness of General Manager and Coach Karl Seiter. This past January Karl was diagnosed with acute Leukemia. A retired Army Ranger and combat veteran with five tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan; Karl “The Hammer” Seiter was in a battle of his life. None of us could ever dream that this disease would take this healthy young man and create a five month raging BATTLE in his body. Karl was placed into the intensive care unit and went into a coma for days when his body began to reject the medication doctors were using. When he awoke he told us he had been playing ball while he was in the coma. We were just happy he was awake and everyone stayed focused on his health and this battle. Karl continued to believe he would still be able to organize the 24th Annual Tour for US Military All-Stars while in the hospital. In fact it became a mission for his mental health to keep focused on the planning for the season. Everyone hung on to the Hope that Karl would be able to plan and run the tour. We did not have a replacement for Karl because he is the heart and soul of the team. He is responsible for the recruitment of players and the organization of a coast to coast Tour. Each young man he recruits to play for the US Military All-Star chooses to join the “Red White and Blue tour” to Honor everyone who has served and most of them have been on the battlefield at a young age and they know what it means to be a Veteran. We realized that Karl was not going to be able to execute the Tour this year as he had to go to the hospital every other week for chemo treatment for the past three months. Now blind in one eye, and the other severely damaged by this disease proved an insurmountable situation. At this time, as you can imagine, we are elated that Karl is alive and healing. Karl would like to personally apologize for letting each of you down who expected to see the US MILITARY ALL STARS play the NWI Oilmen again this year- if he had not been so ill he would have pulled the team and Tour together. Every year the US Military All-Stars need sponsors to help underwrite the Tour and its volunteer service men. In order to finance the tour we must receive funding from men, women as well as organizations that stand behind the US Military and what they do for our country and the sacrifices they make. If anyone would consider being a sponsor or donate to our cause, please visit the following websites and give to our foundation a 501c3. Website is: www.USMilitaryAllStars.Us Karl’s site is: www.KarlTheHammer.com Thank you for continuing the spirit of the July 1st event and turning into a way to honor our Veterans, Great Job! We appreciate all the support and look forward to seeing you all next year for our “25th Anniversary” Tour! God Bless, Tank Stone Commander US Military All Stars “We take a Stand for our Veterans from the Battlefield to the ball field”
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HOOSIER DADDY! PRESENTS THE VETERANS BENEFIT GAME
Who will be throwing out the ceremonial first pitches?
Bill Wellman, Whiteco Industries Executive former Staff Sgt. 1st Marine Division World War II
of Northwest Indiana
By Brandon Vickrey Over the last three years, a July 1 baseball game in support of veteran causes has become a staple at Oil City Stadium. On Tuesday, the Northwest Indiana Oilmen will take the field to play the Southland Vikings, but for one day, the baseball game itself will be secondary to the cause at hand. The Northwest Indiana Oilmen have announced that the Veterans Benefit Game on July 1 will raise funds for Northwest Indiana Habitat for Humanity’s “Veterans Build Project.” The Veterans Benefit Game is presented by Hoosier Daddy Barbecue Sauce and will allow the Oilmen to show their support for all veterans of the United States armed forces. Sixty percent of all ticket sales from the game will benefit the “Veterans Build Project,” which is a joint effort between Habitat for Humanity and the Northwest Indiana Veterans Action Council to build homes for veterans in need. The Northwest Indiana Veterans Action Council is a committee that seeks to coordinate services provided to active service members and veterans and to promote awareness of new initiative on their behalf. The organization is committed to helping veterans find educational opportunities, job opportunities and recognition of employers. “This is a wonderful event and we’re happy that
we came into communication with Oilmen President Don Popravak,” NWI Veterans Action Council Chairman Michael Sparber said. “This is a tremendous outreach to the veterans’ community to show that the Oilmen have their hearts in the right place by helping veterans.” Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana seeks to bring people together to build homes, communities and hope. The organization has been helping build homes since July 1986. This is the first time ever that Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana has partnered with the NWI Veterans Action Council for what both organizations hope will become an annual veterans’ build. “It’s exciting for us because we have the chance to help someone who served our country,” Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana Executive Director Dan Klein said. “It’s a great event at a great stadium. Everybody loves the baseball, mom and apple pie kind of thing. It’s a great time to take your family to an event where you not only get to support veterans, but you’re helping give back to those who have served.” The pageantry and patriotism of the pregame ceremony is sure to provide a special precursor to the ballgame itself. During a week that is all about celebrating the country, the Oilmen will recognize those who have served. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
Patti Nowaczyk, Gold Star Mother, honoring her son Army Staff Sgt. David Nowaczyk, killed in action in Afghanistanm, pictured with wife Rachel, daughter Kiley and son Conner Reese
Sgt. Karl Seiter U.S. Army 1st Ranger Battalion (retired), now General Manger and Coach of the U.S. Military All-Stars
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Our Pledge of Allegiance Explained by Red Skeleton on January 14, 1969
I remember this one teacher. To me, he was the greatest teacher, a real sage of my time. He had such wisdom. We were all reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and he walked over. Mr. Lasswell was his name. He said; “I’ve been listening to you boys and girls recite the Pledge of Allegiance all semester, and it seems as though it is becoming monotonous to you. If I may, may I recite it and try to explain to you the meaning of each word:” I
Me, an individual, a committee of one.
Pledge
Dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self-pity.
Allegiance
My love and my devotion.
To the flag
Our standard, Old Glory, a symbol of freedom. Wherever she waves, there's respect because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts freedom is everybody's job!
of the United
That means that we have all come together.
States of America
Individual communities that have united into 48 great states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose; all divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that's love for country.
And to the Republic
A state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.
For which it stands, one nation
One nation, meaning "so blessed by God"
Indivisible
Incapable of being divided.
With Liberty
Which is freedom -- the right of power to live one's own life without threats, fear or some sort of retaliation.
And Justice
The principle or quality of dealing fairly with others.
For All
Which means, boys and girls, it's as much your country as it is mine.
Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country and two words have been added to the Pledge of Allegiance : ‘under God.’ Wouldn’t it be a pity if someone said, ‘That is a prayer,’ and that would be eliminated for schools, too?’
CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE The 20th Indiana Volunteer Infantry will be on hand for the pregame festivities. In addition, World War II veteran Bill Wellman and Gold Star Mother Patti Nowaczyk will be guests of honor and throw out ceremonial first pitches. Wellman plays “Taps” from his home every night as part of a ritual that began on January 2, 2013. The song, frequently played at flag ceremonies and military functions, is a recognizable national symbol. Wellman is also well known for his work at Whiteco Industrials, Inc. in Merrillville and as an author of the book “It’s Made to Sell – Not to Drink!” The multifaceted Wellman will represent current and former marines and all who have served when he tosses out the ceremonial first pitch. Wellman joined the Marine Corps at the age of 17. Nowaczyk will throw out a ceremonial first pitch in honor of her son David, who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving his country. David Nowaczyk lost his life in battle on April 15, 2012 after saving so many lives during his three tours of Afghanistan. “I’m very honored to be a part of recognizing the veterans; this means a lot to my family and I,” Patti Nowaczyk said. “It’s hard to explain unless it’s happened to you. I come from a pretty big military family. My dad and my father-in-law were in the army. I have three uncles that served in Vietnam. Veterans are very important to us.” David Nowaczyk was a graduate of Lake Central High School after being raised in Dyer. He was very involved in sports, including baseball, while he was growing up. He started playing in tee-ball and continued to play the sport through the rest of his life. At Lake Central, he wrestled and played football for the Indians. “My son was very protective over the girls of his family: me, his wife, his sister,” Patti said. “He had a wonderful sense of humor. He loved his sports. He was a very outdoors person and that’s how he wanted to raise his children.” The Nowaczyk family hosts a Memorial Golf Outing in David’s honor each year. The second annual outing took place on June 14. The goal of the event is to raise funds to build a Fallen Solider Memorial for all fallen soldiers in the area. In addition, a benefit concert featuring Nicole Jamrose to raise funds for the memorial will take place on Sept.27 at Pick-Up Bar and Grill in Lynwood, Ill. The Oilmen are honored to have U.S. Military All-Stars General Manager Karl Seiter on hand to throw out a third ceremonial first pitch. Seiter, known in baseball as “The Hammer,” served as an Army Ranger through five tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is a Purple Heart recipient and was wounded during his service to our country. Hammond police officer and Desert Storm veteran Sean Garrison will belt out a rousing rendition of the National Anthem to round out the pregame ceremony. Following the game, the sky will light up with a postgame fireworks display. The July 1 game is sure to be a special one as the Oilmen take the field in support of this great cause. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. “I think it takes a community to remember the veterans,” Sparber said. “There are approximately 37,000 veterans here in Lake County alone from World War II through our veterans coming back from Afghanistan and Iraq. What we can do is bring awareness of what people in the community are doing.” The Veterans Build Project is working to build a home for Mr. Danna Carter, a retired veteran and father of two boys. Carter joined the service in 1989 and served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression in 1997. In the year 2000, Carter was declared disabled. For more information on Habitat for Humanity’s “Veterans Build Project,” visit www.nwihabitat.org. For more information on the NWI Veterans Action Council, log-on to www.nwiveterans.com. To purchase tickets and help show your support for the “Veterans Build Project,” visit www.nwioilmen.com.
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AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD FOURTH OF JULY PARADE IN WHITING, INDIANA
By David Bork Whiting, which started as a small city in Indiana in 1889, is celebrating 125 years in 2014. Throughout the summer from July 3 through August 13, Whiting has all different types of events lined up for all age groups and areas of interest to celebrate the 125 years. One anticipated event, the Fourth of July Parade that will take place in historic downtown Whiting on 119th Street will start at 10 a.m. on July 4. Businesses and restaurants in Whiting plan to participate in the parade to advertise and show what services they provide to the city of Whiting and for people coming in from out of town for things to do. Oilman Stan, Mr. Pierogi and Mickey and Minnie Mouse will be walking in the parade to provide entertainment for the kids and get to interact with the kids so the kids have fun. Mayor Joe Stahura will be walking in the parade for the 11th time as Stahura has been the Mayor of Whiting for 10 years. Oilman Stan will be representing the Northwest Indiana Oilmen. The Oilmen play their home games at Oil City Stadium in Whiting. The team mainly consists of players from Northwest Indiana and some from different states. Mr. Pierogi will be walking around promoting the Pierogi Fest that takes place every year. This year, the Pierogi Fest takes place July 25, 26, and 27 and will be all the way down 119th Street. Mickey and Minnie Mouse from Disneyland will be walking in the parade to interact with the children; either taking pictures with them or running around with them.
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HELP MEND A BROKEN HEART
MCL ALL STAR BENEFIT BASEBALL GAME By Joey Gelman July 9 marks the annual Midwest Collegiate League AllStar game at Oil City Stadium. However, this year there is a much more important cause at hand during the game for one little All-Star. Bryce Nowakowski, who is one and a half years old, is the son of Calumet College of St. Joseph head baseball coach Brian Nowakowski. Bryce is currently in the fight for his life, as he is waiting for a heart transplant after being diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome at birth. This syndrome causes normal blood flow to be disrupted, not allowing the left side of the heart to pump oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. Bryce already had two out of the three needed surgeries and was in line for his third surgery when his circumstances changed on April 5. What was thought to be a normal stomach bug bothering Bryce was found to be a clot in his heart, and a heart transplant was necessary. Through the many ups and downs during the past three months, the Nowakowski family is still waiting for a heart transplant. The Oilmen, with the help of the Nowakowskis, Calumet College of St. Joseph and the greater Northwest Indiana Region have teamed up to host a benefit night during the July 9 MCL All-Star game. Fifty percent of ticket sales will go toward helping offset the hospital bills. Peter Haring, the Calumet College of St. Joseph Athletic Director, described the power of athletics in a time of need. “Athletics is that unique part that can be an extension of family,” Haring said. “We’re just trying to use our family, as an extension of a communication conduit, to get people aware of Bryce and his needs once that heart transplant comes.” Brian Nowakowski said they have just finished week 10, as of June 28, and are awaiting a transplant any minute, as the average wait time is about six weeks. Nowakowski was extremely thankful for the support from Calumet College of St. Joseph,
and what they have meant to his family. While this is an extremely difficult time in his life, Nowakowski has a meaningful take away from it. “The importance of realizing that these tragedies are out there, and to cherish every day with your children,” he said. Nowakowski also shared that this event was more special to him because it combined his two loves, baseball and his son. The combination is one of the reasons why he is “so grateful to Calumet College and the Oilmen for doing this for me and my family.” Sports can serve as a vehicle to help raise awareness for causes and Haring is excited about the event, and the great benefit it can provide for the Nowakowskis and the community. “It’s a nice cooperative,” Haring said. “That’s the unique thing about sports, you can bring a sporting organization like the Oilmen, connect it with a college program like CCSJ, and a cause that is pretty close to everyone in that part of the Northwest Indiana Region to bring about awareness. We are looking forward to the ninth.” After the MCL All-Star Game, there will be another event hosted by the Nowakowski family on July 20 at Silver Buckle Saloon in Highland to continue their effort to raise awareness and funds to help Bryce with his battle. There is also a donation website to help the Nowakowskis at youcaring.com/bryce-our-superhero. While July 9 may serve as a celebration of the collegiate All-Stars, it is a little All-Star that needs our help and will most certainly be the MVP of the night.
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SPECIAL EVENTS
AT OIL CITY STADIUM ALL-AMERICAN CELEBRATION FRIDAY, JULY 4 3:30 PM Celebrate your Fourth of July with a bang! Come out to Oil City Stadium after Whiting’s Fourth of July Parade to watch your Northwest Indiana Oilmen face off with the Southland Vikings. The gates will be opened at 1:30 p.m. directly after the end of the parade for a Mascot Meet Up which includes the one and only Oilman Stan, among other characters. The game will begin at 3:30 p.m. and all veterans, active-duty service memebers, and children will receive free admission.
BARK IN THE PARK SATURDAY, JULY 5 7:10 PM Join us for the second annual Bark in the Park event at Oil City Stadium on July 5, 2014. Fans will be able to bring their furry friends along with them to watch the NWI Oilmen face the Southland Vikings. Along with this, half of the revenue generated from ticket sales will be given to Gimme Shelter, Whiting’s no-kill shelter.
MCL ALL-STAR BENEFIT GAME WEDNESDAY, JULY 9 7:30 PM Watch as the Midwest Collegiate League’s best talent plays at Oil City Stadium. All-stars from each team will be featured in this game. Half of ticket sales will benefit Bryce Nowakowski, who has been battling for his life. Bryce was born with a rare heart defect and has already gone through two surgeries to help correct the defect, but now is need of a heart transplant.