The Bob Feller Act of Valor Foundation provided athletes not only a memorable experience but the opportunity to learn hands on from those that have served our country while standing in the park honoring Tommy Lasorda, an Act of Valor inductee, and the inspiration behind Steel Sports. This year’s event was taught by Peter Fertig, founder of the Bob Feller Act of Valor Foundation and U.S Navy veteran Mike Barry. They spoke on flag etiquette and demonstrated how to complete the 13 folds of the American flag while explaining what each one means. The folding of the flag was demonstrated by two individuals, showcasing the proper way to fold a flag but was also seen as a teaching moment for athletes showing how important the core values are. The 13 folds represent:

1. “Symbol of Life”
2. “Symbol of our belief in eternal life”
3. “Made in honor of remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.”
4. “Represents our weaker nature as American citizens; trusting in God, it is Him we turn to in times of peace, as well as in times of war, for His divine guidance.”
5. “A tribute to our country, in the words of Steven Decatur, “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong.”
6. “Is for where our hearts lie. It is with our hearts we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
7. “Is a tribute to our armed forces, for it is through the armed forces that we protect our country and our flag against all enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.”
8. “Is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.”
9. “Is a tribute to womanhood. It has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that has molded the character of the men and women who have made this country great.”
10. “Is a tribute to father, who has also given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first born.”
11. “Represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”
12. “Represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies God, the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.”
13. “When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”

Each fold holds a different meaning, all of which tie into the core values taught at Steel Sports, Core Values are Teamwork, Respect, Integrity, and Commitment. In honoring those that have served our country and those that made the ultimate sacrifice we see teamwork, individuals working hard to achieve one ultimate goal, one that could not have been achieved alone. Respect is taught as we learn to honor those that have served as well as mothers and fathers whose children have served. Commitment, to fight for one country and with one team. Integrity, having strong morals and doing what is right. During the demonstration, athletes were able to see the importance of our core values and the idea that a team cannot function without these values.

132 baseball teams filled Lasorda Legacy Park from Friday through the weekend to take part in our Memorial Day Championship baseball tournament. Parents and coaches agreed that young athletes can learn “dedication, hard work, and values of what it means to be a part of a team” as well as “citizenship, service, and sacrifice along with a strong legacy” by honoring those that have and are currently serving. Steel Sports’ Core Values, Teamwork, Respect, Integrity, and Commitment were deemed necessary, by parents around the park, for a player to have to be on a successful team. Mike Barry, stated that Memorial Day is “a time to reflect on those that made the ultimate sacrifice and those that took time out from their lives to preserve the ideals that puts America above the rest.” Another parent also said that not one core value we teach is more important than the other, that they are all important for an athlete to learn. The Bob Feller Act of Valor Foundation honors baseball players who served in the armed forces, giving young athletes the opportunity to learn from those who not only played baseball, the sport they love, but those that gave their life to this country. They were taught the core values from a different perspective but also how to respect our country and the flag we proudly wave and represent.

Steel Sports and the Bob Feller Act of Valor Foundation also offers an opportunity for Steel athletes to apply to join the Lasorda Legacy Team, which will be honored at an exclusive event in Washington DC. Applications include an essay on one of the Act of Valor inductees and a video introducing yourself. Click the button below to apply.

For more information, reach out to Alison Haehnel at ahaehnel@steelsports.com