Nick Kerr of Victoria is guaranteed a great seat at the Major League Baseball all-star game on Tuesday and he’ll even be part of the pre-game parade through the streets of New York.
Kerr, a 31-year-old war veteran, was chosen one of 30 winners of the Tribute to Heroes contest, sponsored by MLB and People magazine. One winner was chosen for each MLB team — Kerr will represent the Toronto Blue Jays. People voted online, choosing among three nominees for each team.
“It’s kind of a big honour,” said Kerr on Thursday.
He’s a little surprised he beat out another nominee, who is from Toronto.
Kerr was notified last week about the award but was told to keep quiet until the results were made public on Wednesday.
He and a buddy will fly to New York on Saturday and join other winners for a tour of the sites, including the Sept. 11 memorial and a concert in Central Park. Kerr will meet the all-stars at a gala as well as at a parade through the city.
The veterans are invited to a ceremony on the field on game day. It will be broadcast live at 4:30 p.m. Pacific time on FOX.
Kerr won’t be packing light. Official duties will require him to pack a variety of outfits, including his dress uniform, which he will wear game day.
Kerr is also nominated for a bravery award for rescuing a motorist after a car crash in North Saanich last year. He served in Afghanistan with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry and is currently in the reserves. He volunteers with search and rescue as well as with a non-profit group that assists wounded veterans.
