Photo By Senior Airman Zachary Perras | The Eielson baseball team huddles together after completing a practice session at...... read more read more
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EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska - America's pastime, baseball, is a sport dedicated to history and tradition. While baseball history is short and the tradition is young at Eielson Air Force Base, it is defined by passion and a love for the game displayed by those of the Icemen baseball team.
Senior Airman Nicholas Tuck, 18th Aggressor Squadron aviation resource manager, has only been involved with the team for two of its three seasons, but has risen to team president, a position which makes baseball more than just a game to him.
"For me, it was kind of like my rock," Tuck said. "I was going through a tough time before I found out about the team ... and it snapped me out of it. It's like being part of a family, and it reflects everything that the Air Force expects out of us and even more so since we go out and represent it in the community and here on base."
With the next season starting in June, Tuck said he has more than just winning games on his mind.
"My main mission this year ... is to get [the members] back together and kind of raise morale and change the view of our team," he said. "I'm trying to change our image and get more hands-on and proactive about it."
Jesse Robinson, head coach and team manager for his second season, has seen a progression in the team as a whole and has high hopes for the coming season.
"I think with baseball, it's a structured sport. It's almost like a chess match between you and the other managers," said Robinson. "We have guys who actually want to practice and play, who are more in tune to having the structure ... and I'm proud of the camaraderie."
What has helped the camaraderie develop is the simple fact that members of the team are enthusiastic about being trained and taught, Robinson added.
"We have a good group of guys willing to learn, and that's what I like the most about them," he said.
Players on the team agree that amity is stronger between members now than it was in the past, making the game more enjoyable while bringing friendly competition to the plate.
"We like to keep it open to where anyone is susceptible to have their spot taken. It keeps the competition going and it keeps the guys going," said Tuck. "When you have competition, you're able to get better and it pushes the guys. If you have it stagnant, no one's going to want to get the work done."
This season, Tuck and Robinson hope to see the Icemen participate in more tournaments, raise money for the team and build a good support base from Eielson.
"It'd be really cool to have the base [community] support us and come motivate us," said Tuck. "I'd like to challenge more people to come out to either play or support us."
With everything the team is working for, Tuck says it is just like anything in the Air Force: put your heart and soul into it, and work for others, not just yourself.
"You try your best, and that's all that really matters at the end of the day in my book," Tuck said.
For more information, to include information on playing for the Eielson Icemen, contact Tuck at 377-6166, or Robinson at 907-372-3231.
| Date Taken: | 03.12.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 03.12.2012 12:23 |
| Story ID: | 85100 |
| Location: | EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, ALASKA, US |
| Hometown: | EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, ALASKA, US |
| Web Views: | 59 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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