Rain may have washed out Friday's exhibition game between the Washington Nationals and Boston Red Sox at Nationals Park, but skies should be clear in time for the teams' 2 p.m. ET tilt at the Naval Academy Saturday. 

In February, the Nationals announced a three-year agreement to play one exhibition game per year at the Academy's Max Bishop Stadium. The opponents for 2018 and 2019 will be announced at a later date. 

The move marks another effort by Major League Baseball to honor the military and veterans. Baseball's recent and past connection to the services is a storied one. 

In July 2016, Fort Bragg hosted the Braves and Marlins for the first professional regular season game on an active military base. 

A year earlier, St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Mitch Harris became the first Naval Academy graduate to pitch in a Major League Baseball game in almost a century. 

Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve from 1969-75. His father served during World War II and his uncle served in the Navy. 

Ted Williams, perhaps the greatest Red Sox player ever and the last player to hit over .400 for an entire season (1941), served in the Marines during WWII and Korea. He flew 39 combat missions during the Korean War and his plane was struck by enemy fire on at least three occasions. Williams also served as a wingman to legendary astronaut and politician John Glenn.

Following breakfast, players and staff will receive a tour of the Academy, see the various aircraft and vehicles Annapolis has to offer, try out a training simulator, visit the brigade dormitory and view the honor roll of graduates who have died in military operations.

The game will not be open to the public. Tickets for the game are only available to midshipmen and select Navy personnel.

Jon Simkins is a writer and editor for Military Times, and a USMC veteran.

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