Girlfriend of US Soldier on a Baseball Mission
Chicago White Sox show support for a fan in Afghanistan

Stacey Simon went to Nationals Park this past Saturday, June 19th, with one goal in mind: to get a baseball for her boyfriend. It was not an easy task, but she was a lady with a mission.

“My boyfriend, SGT Kevin Doyle, is in his second deployment to Afghanistan. He grew up in Chicago and is a huge White Sox fan,” said Simon.

The White Sox played a weekend series against the Nationals in Simon’s home of Washington, D.C. so it was perfect timing. It shaped up to be a busy weekend at the park. Step one, get a baseball for Kevin on Saturday. Step two, help host a fundraiser for Father’s of America’s fallen Heroes on Sunday with Families United, a non-profit based in D.C. where she works. Her co-workers were waiting for a full report on Sunday.

Simon explained, “Kevin and I talked about getting tickets. When we realized he would be deployed, I told him I would go anyway and do my darndest to get a baseball during batting practice.”

With optimism high and with the go-ahead from Kevin to “look flirty” Simon set out with the White Sox in her sights. She and arrived early to NatsTown and began to tell everyone in ear shot about Kevin, which included White Sox pitcher Gavin Floyd. Floyd previously signed a ball for Kevin in Chicago before his first deployment in 2008. It made perfect sense for her to reach out to the right-hander again.

“Gavin!” she yelled, “I need a ball for my boyfriend in Afghanistan!”

Floyd, eager to support the troops, not only took a ball to sign but also Simon’s White Sox hat and said “I’ll be right back.”

Her hopes of getting just a batting practice ball were about to be shattered—in a good way. Floyd took the ball and hat over to a group of his teammates including Matt Thornton, Scott Linebrink, J.J. Putz, John Danks and Bobby Jenks. They passed the ball and hat around and each of them signed both. Floyd returned and gave Simon the much-appreciated autographs saying, “Wish Kevin well and thank him for his service.”

Mission accomplished, but there was still more work to be done.

With her head in the clouds at this point, Simon—feeling confident—tried for more. After batting practice ended she saw AJ Pierzynski, the White Sox starting catcher. He was headed to the bullpen. Thinking it was a longshot, she made her way in his direction.

Simon yelled out to him, “AJ! Will you sign this for my boyfriend in Afghanistan?”

He looked up and said, “Sorry, I can’t right now… wait, what?”

She repeated that Kevin was in Afghanistan and that he loves the Sox. Pierzynski immediately reached up for the ball, signed it, and tossed it back.

She went to the park that weekend with the hopes of getting a batting practice ball tossed her way in the stands. She left with much more, including the appreciation for Major League players who took a few seconds out of their pre-game preparation to show some support for an American soldier in Afghanistan.

She’ll send the care package soon adding, “I only wish I could have a camera rolling in Afghanistan when Kevin opens it.”

Stacey is currently the Programs Coordinator for Families United. Families United is the nation’s premier military family organization representing both Gold and Blue Star families – including many with loved ones in harm’s way – as well as active duty service men and women, veterans and patriotic Americans who share a deep appreciation for our troops and their mission. To learn more about Families United, visit www.FamiliesUnitedUSA.org