As the nation prepares to observe Veterans Day, a story of baseball, service, and sacrifice that truly transcends the diamond, provides a moment for all Americans to reflect on the countless acts of heroism and the everyday sacrifices made by those who have put their lives on hold to defend our freedoms.
In the world of sports, athletes are often tasked with a multitude of difficult obstacles throughout their journey within their athletic career. The dream of playing professional sports, stresses brought on from training, and a platform that is evaluated by the masses are all experiences that can be expected in a typical high-profile athletic career. Despite all of the glory and praise that being an athlete presents, one baseball player chose a different path, which saw him put his bat and glove down to serve his country in the United States Navy.
Back in 2016, Noah Song was a name that was starting to pick up steam in the baseball world. A standout high school pitcher out of Pomona, California, Song decided to take his talents to the United States Naval Academy where he found immediate success in his rookie campaign. While at Navy, Song crushed a multitude of records in his opening year such as being named a conference-best, Patriot League Rookie of the Week on five different occasions. Song was also ranked top-50 amongst NCAA D1 pitchers in hits allowed per nine innings (5.85), WHIP (0.96), and wins (9) in his freshman season. It was clear to anyone watching that Song had the talent to play baseball at the next level.
Headed into the MLB Draft, many fans considered Song a first-round selection in the 2019 MLB draft, but others felt Song’s draft stock would be slightly altered due to his obligation to serve in the military after graduation. Military academies, such as the United States Naval Academy, require a minimum service obligation. In an attempt at a professional career, Song and his team sent in a waiver with hopes of delaying his service requirement to continue his baseball journey.
While the waiver sat pending, on June 4, 2019, Song heard his name called in the fourth round of the 2019 MLB draft when the Boston Red Sox selected him with the 137th overall pick, making him the highest selected player from the Naval Academy in MLB history. Two days later, he signed with the organization to officially begin his professional career. During his rookie campaign, Song made seven appearances as a member of the Lowell Spinners who are Class A Short Season affiliates of the Red Sox. As a Spinner, he led the squad to a first-place finish in the division and a finals appearance, posting a 1.06 ERA mark and a 0.88 WHIP with 19 punchouts and a mere five walks across 17 frames of action.
His immaculate performance in the minors ultimately earned him a spot on Team USA’s Professional Team roster that would go on to compete at the 2019 Premier12 tournament held in both Guadalajara, Mexico, and Tokyo, Japan, in November. Coming out of the bullpen, Song was nothing less than spectacular for Team USA after he turned in five scoreless relief appearances for the stars and stripes. Throughout the tournament, the 6-foot-4 right hander posted a 0.00 ERA along with six strikeouts to lead his squad to a bronze medal matchup against Mexico.
With his young career thriving and picking up steam, in December of 2019, Song was informed that the petition to delay his active service time was ultimately declined, forcing Song to put his professional career on hold to go to flight school in preparation for the Navy. Despite the brief hold on his baseball career, Song knew that he had a bigger calling and was eager to serve.
“That was my number one priority. It was my everything. I knew that baseball wasn’t going to be center stage at the time, and whether or not I would return to the sport was in my afterthoughts. Baseball wasn’t something that I was going to worry about. From day one, the goal when I started service was to earn my wings. As soon as I left for flight school there was no looking back, I was all in and ready to go,” explained Song.
Song went on to serve in the Navy until February of 2023 when naval officials allowed him to change his status from active duty to selected reserve, enabling him to once again chase his baseball dreams while also allowing him to reflect on his journey.
“Getting to represent the United States twice has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. To be able to have served and play for an organization like USA Baseball has been a huge honor. My time with USA Baseball was everything I envisioned that Team USA would be. Everything about it was such a great experience.”
As Song trains to return to the sport he grew up on, his story is one that resonates deeply, not just with sports fans, but with Americans who understand the sacrifices made by those who serve their country. On Veterans Day, the public will be able to reflect not only on the sacrifices made by military personnel, but the extraordinary contributions that veterans, like Song, continue to make in all areas of life.
“The biggest thing for me is that I hope Veterans Day allows for people to see and reflect on what I envision in my mind every time that I’m able to stand for our flag during the national anthem. I hope it allows for those overseas, in the states, and those who are taking the oath to serve to be remembered. It’s a blessing that not everyone has to serve and it's truly great to have a day to reflect on the many who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”
With the 2024 season concluded and the ensuing season rapidly approaching, the anticipation builds for Song’s return. When he steps onto the field once more, Song will carry with him the pride of his service and the unwavering support of a community that stands behind him. Each game will not only showcase his determination, but also serve as a subtle nod to his military experience and those who have served before him.
On this Veterans Day, Americans salute Song, and all veterans alike, for their service, sacrifice, and their unwavering dedication to something bigger than themselves. As the day unfolds, the memories of those who have served continue to inspire the masses, ensuring that their legacy and selflessness is never forgotten.
