Fort Wayne TinCaps Honor Military with Volunteer Work at Veterans Memorial

The Fort Wayne TinCaps rolled up their sleeves Wednesday, heading to the Veterans National Memorial Shrine & Museum on the city’s west side for a morning of service. Players, coaches, and staff spent two hours volunteering, paying tribute to the legacy of the late San Diego Padres owner Peter Seidler.

This Day of Service marks the team’s first community volunteer event in the 2025 season, highlighting their ongoing commitment to honoring military members and veterans.

A Team Built on Military Respect

The TinCaps’ Day of Service isn’t just a one-off event—it’s rooted in tradition. The Padres, often called the “Team of the Military,” have long championed service and respect for veterans. Peter Seidler, the late Padres owner, was deeply devoted to supporting the nation’s military, inspiring this kind of outreach.

For the Fort Wayne TinCaps, carrying that torch means more than just baseball. It’s about connecting with the community and honoring those who served.

The event on Wednesday saw the team volunteering at the Veterans National Memorial Shrine & Museum, a place dedicated to preserving the stories and sacrifices of American veterans. Players and staff helped maintain the grounds and assist with museum tasks, making the site more welcoming for visitors.

Community and Baseball, Hand in Hand

This Day of Service is just the first of two volunteering events the TinCaps plan to hold during the 2025 season. It’s a reminder that professional sports teams can play a big role in their local communities—beyond the field.

The TinCaps also remain a fan favorite, with home game tickets starting at just $9. Their season opener, held the same day as the volunteer event, was a chance for fans to cheer on the team while knowing their heroes were giving back off the field.

If you’re curious about catching a game, the full season schedule is available online. Plus, local fans can watch select games broadcast across WPTA channels, making it easy to keep up with the team.

Honoring Service with Action

The TinCaps’ volunteer work reflects a genuine respect for veterans and military families. It’s not just symbolic—it’s hands-on. Their time spent cleaning, organizing, and supporting the Veterans National Memorial Shrine & Museum shows that small efforts can help preserve important local history.

Here’s what the volunteer day involved:

• Sprucing up museum grounds and indoor spaces

• Assisting museum staff with visitor preparations

• Engaging with community members who stopped by during the event

Simple actions, but meaningful ones.

More Than a Game

While baseball is the main event for the TinCaps, their role as community stewards adds another layer to their identity. By dedicating time to honor military veterans, the team reminds fans and residents of the broader values sports can promote.

With a packed schedule ahead and more volunteer efforts planned, the TinCaps are making clear their commitment to service — on and off the field.