The Stetson Hatters Baseball team invited John Frazier, a World War II vet, to throw the ceremonial pitch at a March 11 game between the Hatters and Florida A&M as part of Military Appreciation Day. Frazier, at age 97, was also presented with a key to the city of DeLand by Mayor Bob Apgar.
According to a Stetson University news release, Frazier served as a radio and communications officer in the U.S. Navy. Stationed in Australia, Frazier relayed encrypted messages from the Pacific Fleet to the Pentagon. He’s been in DeLand since 2009, to be closer to his three children, four grandchildren, and 24 great grandchildren.
The Stetson Hatters won the game, 2-0.
Photos by Beacon photographer Marsha McLaughlin
