of organized military baseball in the “modern era”. Determined re-organization efforts began after a U.S. Navy program was founded in Pensacola, Florida. That initial navy program launched nearly two decades ago, led Allvord to establish teams in every branch and ensure the growth and success of teams around the world. With tensions in the Middle East and the current war in Iraq, the global War on Terrorism continues to be a factor in lives of Americans each day. As a way to capture the same spirit during World War II a historic effort led by the navy team provided a unique and patriotic arena for Americans to support their armed forces at home and abroad. Today, the [Heroes of the Diamond] are the largest, fastest growing and most successful "joint" military program in the world. Over 25,000 personnel have participated since 1990. In 2003, an episode of the CBS television show JAG was based on the programs annual Navy-Marine Corps All-Star Game featuring 2002 Cy Young award winner and Oakland Athletics pitcher Barry Zito. In 2006, the team posted an impressive 41 and 6 record. This remains the best performance in the history of the program and featured a 4 and 2 overall record against teams in the independent professional Golden Baseball League. Following the 2008 season, the founder of the Red, White and Blue Tour, retired U.S. Navy Commander Terry Allvord joined forces with Dan Duquette, former general manager of the Boston Red Sox, Buddy Lewis and Jerry O'Connor, executives of Nocona Athletic Goods Company (also known as Nokona) to create a new ownership group dedicated to providing opportunities for members of the U.S. Armed Forces and military academies. The new alignment created five teams at every level of baseball to create a unique "farm system" which includes: American Defenders of New Hampshire of the Can-Am Professional League managed by former Red Sox Brian Daubach, the U.S. Military All-Stars "Red, White and Blue Tour" (Domestic) managed by former major league first baseman Ivan Cruz, the U.S. Military All-Stars "Red, White and Blue Diplomacy Tour" (International) and the newly minted Latin Stars led by Ramssey Ochoa. The tour teams continued their solid reputation with an impressive .720 winning percentage built over two decades while delivering patriotic entertainment. In 2009, over 20 tour players were offered professional contracts, making it an ideal source for future talent while posting a record of