Mar 21, 2018 4 min read

ELLWOOD CITY – The Washington Wild Things are still fishing for a naming rights partner for its ballpark in North Franklin Township, but a unique agreement has landed a name for the 18-year-old park’s playing field.

The Wild Things and the It’s About the Warrior Foundation, a Butler-based veterans organization, have reached an agreement on a partnership. As a result, the playing field at Wild Things Park will be known as It’s About the Warrior Field. The announcement was made Wednesday at Olde Stonewall Golf Club.

It’s About the Warrior Foundation was formed in 2012 by Steve Monteleone, a seven-year veteran of the United States Air Force. The foundation assists post-9/11 veterans throughout the tri-state area through its various programs.

The partnership grew from something Wild Things owner Stu Williams mentioned during a meeting with the team’s front office staff.

“Stu said, ‘Wouldn’t it be cool and unique to build relationships with the inventory we have at the field?'” Wild Things assistant general manager Tony Buccilli recalled.

“The brush that reaches a lot of us is the military. I did some research and found It’s About the Warrior. What is so appealing about this organization is it’s local. It’s based in Butler. So I made some phone calls.”

Those phone calls went to Monteleone, who was looking for a way to make more veterans aware of his growing organization, which helped more than 350 post-9/11 veterans in 2017.

“Tony reached out to me, and when he mentioned naming rights, I said that would be great. It’s a great way to get our name out there and raise awareness.”

Monteleone said Western Pennsylvania has the highest percentage of post-9/11 veterans in the country.

“About 28,000,” he said. “That’s because of all the VA hospitals in the tri-state region, plus the blue-collar mentality of the area.”

Because It’s About the Warrior is a nonprofit organization, the Wild Things will be giving the naming rights to the organization. No fee will be charged. It’s About the Warrior Foundation will have its logo in front of each dugout, replacing the logo of the defunct Pennsylvania Rebellion softball team. The ballpark will still be known as Wild Things Park.

“The Wild Things were established right around 9/11, so it’s appropriate that in 2018 we’re going to start a relationship and partnership with It’s About the Warrior,” said Christine Blaine, the Wild Things’ director of corporate sponsorships.

Monteleone founded the organization to help all post-9/11 veterans, not just those who were wounded in action.

“We offer help and assistance in a lot of areas,” Monteleone said. “One is psychological. A lot of veterans suffer post-traumatic stress and there is stress from separation from the military. There is a mystique that you feel lost after being in such a regimented lifestyle.”

Monteleone said his group also helps veterans in other areas, such as financial assistance, job training, finding jobs and school tuition.

The Wild Things also announced several promotions in conjunction with the partnership:

• An $8 anywhere-in-the-park ticket for all veterans and active military personnel.
• Two “Salute to Service” nights at the ballpark. The first is June 9 against the Joliet Slammers. It will feature an appearance by Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva, who is a former U.S. Army Ranger and served three tours of duty in Afghanistan. A “Big Al” bobblehead giveaway and jersey auction will be part of the activities. The second will be “Dingers Only Night” June 21 against the Traverse City Beach Bums. Former West Virginia University and Indianapolis Colts kicker/punter Pat McAfee will play for the Wild Things that night.

The Wild Things also announced that single-game tickets will go on sale Monday. Washington opens its 18th Frontier League season May 11 at Evansville. The home opener is May 15 against the Gateway Grizzlies.