Sports

Texas Baseball Shows Utmost Respect To U.S. Military With Gesture Of Gratitude Toward Air Force Athletes

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Texas did not get to play its college baseball game against Air Force on Tuesday. That did not stop the Longhorns from showing the utmost respect toward future members of the United States military.

They partook in a postgame handshake for a game that was not played!

It serves as a great reminder that college baseball is just a game. It is not life or death.

Texas and Air Force share a special bond.

The Longhorns and Falcons share a unique relationship. It is unlike any other matchup in the sport.

Every student who graduates from the United States Air Force Academy must serve in the military. Every graduate must serve at least five years on active duty and three years on inactive reserve. Those who complete pilot training have a longer service commitment. You get the idea.

Even the student-athletes who graduate from the Academy will later go on to serve our country. It is an extremely admirable and selfless decision.

They could choose to play college baseball at a program that would allow them to play professionally or get an office job after graduation. Instead, they elect military service. That requires them to balance the life of a regular military academy student with the life of a student-athlete. It is a rigorous schedule.

Falcons head coach Mike Kazlausky knows it is bigger than baseball. As do the fans.

Texas, always shows its gratitude toward Air Force. Sports are not always the most important thing.

It’s bigger than baseball!

The most special moment of this unique non-conference series took place in 2022. The Falcons won a midweek matchup against the Longhorns for one of the biggest upsets of the year. Texas fans were obviously disappointed by the loss but they applauded Air Force as if they were their own.

The Longhorns ultimately got their revenge on the Falcons during the postseason. A sold-out crowd at UFCU Disch-Falk Field chanted “U-S-A” as the players joined together to sing The Eyes of Texas and God Bless America. It was one of those moments that will give you goosebumps.

The same thing happened in 2023.

Although this is not an annual series, these two teams were scheduled to play again on Tuesday. Air Force traveled to Austin for another midweek matchup. Unfortunately, the weather had different plans.

Athletes from both teams partook in a postgame handshake line even though the game was not played.

This is not typical for Texas. The Longhorns stopped doing a postgame handshake line during the pandemic in 2020 and have not brought it back. Likely to avoid conflict. Especially during SEC play.

Air Force is the exception. Texas makes sure to thank its opponent— not only for making the trip, but for their commitment to our country. Even if the game is canceled! It is a truly special relationship build on gratitude and respect.