MCGUIRE AFB, N.J. -- -- One McGuire airman traded in his flight suit for a Mets uniform Tuesday and became an honorary member of the New York Mets for a day.
Senior Airman Chardo Richardson, 32nd Air Refueling Squadron, shadowed Mets left-handed pitcher Al Leiter, in the second part of a job swap organized by the Air Force, Major League Baseball and the Mets.
During his visit to Shea Stadium, Airman Richardson participated in batting practice, played catch with players and received a full Mets uniform, complete with his name on the back.
The first thing Al had me do when I went into the locker room was take off my white shoes, Airman Richardson said laughing. He said I didnt want to be known as Chardo White Shoes Richardson.
After suiting up and receiving a brand new pair of black cleats, Airman Richardson did a few stretches with the team and then went right into batting practice.
I was so nervous, said Airman Richardson. I had been to the batting cages a few times, but I wanted to represent my fellow airmen well. With a small cheering crowd of fellow boom operators and KC-10 crew chiefs behind him and Mr. Leiter telling him what not to do, Airman Richardson was able to put the bat on the ball a few times.
After watching him bat I dont know if hes ready for the Major Leagues, the Mets pitcher said jokingly. But I hear they are looking for an area scout down in Mississippi.
Mr. Leiter is in his seventh season with the Mets and the only pitcher in Major League Baseball history to beat all 30 teams in the league. Airman Richardson accepted the razzing from his new friends and teammates; he also started to get a better understanding of what it is like to play a professional sport.
I got tired so fast while I was batting, said Airman Richardson. Just getting the bat off my shoulder was tiring, and I am a pretty athletic guy. I cant believe they do this everyday. It looks so easy on the television, but now I understand that its much harder then it looks," he said. It may seem tiring, but just like Chardo said about operating the boom, it just becomes part of the job, said Mr. Leiter.
When asked who has the cooler job both Airman Richardson and Mr. Leiter chimed in to say he does!
Its all relative on your life, said Mr. Leiter. My day at McGuire as an Airman is a day I will never forget. Its like nothing else I had ever done. Airman Richardson has similar feelings about his day as a Met.
I definitely got the better end of the deal, he said. I would never get opportunities like this if I wasnt in the Air Force, so I am thankful for everything I get to do.
During the first part of the job swap in May, Mr. Leiter was a KC-10 Extender boom operator for the day. He shadowed Airman Richardson in the boom pod during the air refueling of six F-15s out of Seymour Johnson AFB, S.C. The day was filmed by Major League Baseball Productions and aired June 19 as a two-minute feature in Foxs This Week in Baseball.
The production company also videotaped Airman Richardsons day with the Mets. Video footage from Tuesday will air around Sept.11 as part of a special show remembering 9-11.