Stars, Strikes, and Semper Fi: A Night to Remember at the 2025 Rock ‘N Jock Celebrity Softball Game

NASHVILLE, TN — Under the golden hues of a Tennessee sunset, more than 8,000 fans packed First Horizon Park on Monday, June 2nd, for the fifth annual Folds of Honor Rock ‘N Jock Celebrity Softball Game—and this year’s game didn’t just raise the bar, it blew it out of the park.

The 2025 edition was one part All-Star showdown, one part military tribute, and 100% heart. With Team First Responders, captained by none other than MMA powerhouse Michael Chandler, taking home the W, it was an unforgettable night where every swing helped support families of America’s fallen and disabled service members and first responders.

This year’s celebrity roster was stacked deeper than a tour bus cooler: Riley Green, Tyler Hubbard, Justin Moore, Zach Top, RaeLynn, Warren Zeiders, Priscilla Block, Chase Rice, Jordan Davis, Ashley Cooke, Conner Smith, Charles Esten, Gavin Adcock, and Adam Doleac were all suited up and ready to play. Comedy firepower came courtesy of John Crist, Danae Hays, and Jeff Dye, while athletic heavyweights Michael Chandler, Riley Gaines, and Ryan Sheckler added serious heat to the diamond. NFL action wasn’t just on the field either—Tennessee Titans players Tyjae Spears and T’Vondre Sweat coached Team First Responders, while former Titans legends Keith Bulluck and Delanie Walker helmed Team Military.

Fans didn’t have to wait long for fireworks. Michael Chandler brought the house down with a jaw-dropping grand slam for Team First Responders—and if you blinked, you probably missed him circling the bases like he was late for a weigh-in. Gavin Adcock followed with a big-time home run, proving his swing hits just as hard as his Southern drawl. On the Military side, Adam Doleac answered back with a deep shot of his own, notching a solo homer and putting some scoreboard pressure back on the First Responders. The bats were hot, the dugouts rowdy, and the crowd loud—exactly the way Nashville likes it.

This year’s game also honored the 250th anniversary of the U.S. military branches and Marine Week Nashville. The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band kicked things off with “The Star-Spangled Banner,” followed by the Marine Barracks Washington Color Guard and the crowd-stopping U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon. Marine hero Jonathon Blank took the mound for the ceremonial first pitch—a moment that stopped time and started the tears.

Midway through the game, the stadium was brought to a standstill for a surprise message from President Donald J. Trump, who addressed the crowd via jumbotron. In his remarks, he praised the work of Folds of Honor, saluted the service of military families, and introduced the one and only Lee Greenwood, whose performance of “God Bless the USA” during the seventh-inning stretch turned the ballpark into a sea of flags, goosebumps, and full-throated patriotism. View President Trump’s message here.

The night wasn’t just rich in star power—it was rich in impact. The event raised over $670,000 for Folds of Honor. Country star Riley Green stepped up to the plate in a different way, donating $75,000, which was matched by Mat Best of Black Rifle Coffee Company, bringing that moment’s total to $150,000 for families of fallen heroes.

With stars, servicemen, athletes, comedians, and fans all playing for the same team—this game once again proved why it’s one of Nashville’s most meaningful nights. And yes, Rock ‘N Jock is already set to return in summer 2026.

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Country Entertainment News

With over a decade of experience in NASCAR, I’ve built a dynamic career spanning media, public relations, sponsorship acquisitions, and brand representation. My 13-year journey included roles ranging from promotional model—as Miss Valvoline—to business owner, having launched an apparel line specifically tailored for female motorsports fans. I also owned and operated two media outlets within NASCAR, and my work behind the lens led to shooting for Getty Images at some of the sport’s biggest events. These diverse experiences gave me a 360-degree view of the motorsports industry, both on and off the track. Outside of NASCAR, I spent time working in minor league baseball with the Pioneer League—broadening my understanding of sports marketing and fan engagement in a different arena. In addition, I hold a degree in audio engineering and began my career in music at the renowned Sumet-Burnet studio in Dallas, Texas. Having grown up in recording studios from the age of nine, music has always been my first love. My time in Dallas also included hands-on experience in artist booking and management, where I supported emerging bands through label signings, tours, and the often unpredictable realities of the music business.

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