Tournament raises money for base softball team

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Frances Locquiao
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Several teams made up of Moody members gathered to play against each other during a softball tournament in an effort to raise money for the varsity men's base softball team.

The third annual "Battle for the Base" tournament consisted of seven teams who raised more than $900 in a single day of playing softball.

"Our goal was not only to raise money, but to have as much base participation as possible for the tournament," said Tech. Sgt. Robert McClain, 23rd Logistics Readiness Squadron A-10C Thunderbolt II parts store NCO in-charge and tournament coordinator. "We wanted everyone to have a good time, whether they are playing out in the field or supporting the teams."

The money raised will be used to buy new uniforms and equipment in addition to alleviate costs of travelling to different tournaments.

"We don't receive enough funding for the team, so this is a great way to raise that money," said Sergeant McClain, who came up with the fundraiser in 2008. "We did these types of tournaments back when I was stationed in Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and we were successful, so that's why we started it up at Moody."

The first games of the tournament started at 9 a.m. with one between the 23rd Logistics Readiness Squadron and 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and another between the 23rd Medical Group and 41st Rescue Squadron.

By the end of the day only two teams remained: the 23rd Equipment Maintenance Squadron munitions flight and the 23rd MDG.

"The 23rd MDG was our biggest competition," said Tech. Sgt. Jessie Synder, 23rd EMS munitions flight team softball coach. "We played them three times that night because they kept winning their games."

Despite the many matches between the two teams, the 23rd EMS munitions flight beat out the 23rd MDG in the final game, scoring 24-13 and continued their winning streak.

"We were very excited when we won," said Sergeant Synder. "We have an amazing group of players in our team and it's a great feeling when you come out in the top when you put in all the effort into it."

For their win, the 23rd EMS munitions flight earned a trophy to be placed at their squadron.

"The team performed well considering this is our first tournament of the year," he said. "We still have areas of improvement, but we're getting better and we will continue to practice because softball is a year-round sport for us. A special thanks goes to our pitcher, Tech. Sgt. Brian Sadler, who pitched for us the whole day. Part of our success was because of him."

Though it is his third time organizing and participating in the event, Sergeant McClain continues to enjoy seeing other people having a good time at the tournaments.

"I appreciate everyone who came out to play as well as those who supported the teams," said Sergeant McClain. "It was awesome to see them having a good time. I would also like to thank the Freedom I Fitness Center staff who helped out and several base agencies that helped to get the word out about the tournament."

Moody's varsity men's softball team, "Fully Loaded," is scheduled to compete in August in Orlando, Fla., against bases to include Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., and Hurlburt Field, Fla., during the U.S. Specialty Sports Association Military Worlds Tournament.