WESTFIELD, Massachusetts (June 14, 2022) -- On Tuesday, June 14, the Westfield Starfires visited Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield, touring the facility, learning about fighter jets housed at the base, and spending time with our military service members.

The team also unveiled brand new uniforms, honoring the 104^th Fighter Wing, to be worn on Friday, June 24 at Bullens Field against the Pittsfield Suns

In addition to sitting through a briefing to learn technical information about the jets, the team was able to take a closer look at the cockpit, stand along the runway to watch the planes take off, and take photos with their teammates and the fighter jets.

“The experience was pretty cool, coming here, seeing the fighter jets take off [and] learning some stuff about the Air Force, a lot of things I honestly didn’t know,” outfielder Cooper Johnson said.

Pitcher Max Moss echoed, saying he’s always had a passion for planes and “seeing them up close is incredible.”

The Starfires name derives from one of the original jets that was stationed at Barnes, making this visit especially important to the team and organization, according to Evan Moorhouse, Director of Baseball Operations. Being able to tour the base and learn about the Starfire Jet enhanced the meaning of playing for the team for both Moss and Johnson.

“Seeing it in person makes it all real and helps you put on the jersey and have something to play for,” Moss said.

Johnson, who made the connection between the original jet and the team’s name at the base said, “we can understand what we are playing for, the history of the team, and the background of why we are the Starfires.”

Johnson and the rest of the team are excited to debut the jerseys this weekend, and hopefully continue their strong play at home. Be on the lookout for your chance to take home one of these limited-edition jerseys.

The Starfires next game at Bullens Field is scheduled for Thursday, June 16 at 6:35 p.m. against the Worcester Bravehearts.

For the latest on the team, be sure to follow the Starfires on Twitter and Instagram @starfiresbb, and visit us on the web at westfieldstarfires.com.