Photo By 1st Lt. Kristofer Baumgartner | Sgt. Timothy Sox, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st General Support Aviation...... read more read more
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By Spc. Matthew Magreta
1st General Support Aviation Battalion, 111th Aviation Regiment, 29th Combat Aviation Brigade
CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait - Each spring they come out, get their gloves, swing their bats, and try to get the ball over the outfield fence.
“We have had softball at Camp Buehring for as long as I can remember,” said Fitness Sports Supervisor Robert Dees.
Hundreds of soldiers participate in the league since opening day in mid-March. Beginning with 60 teams from various units, the games are held in the evenings and all day Sunday.
“[Morale Welfare and Recreation] tries to organize as many games in the evening to avoid the hot temperatures,” remarked Dees. “Some injuries, but no serious ones as we have never had any player suffer from heat exhaustion.”
A roster is comprised of a minimum of 10 players and one coach per team. Each squad is capped at 15 players, however 20 players are allowed for those units who have scheduled missions outside Camp Buehring.
“We require rosters to make sure no teams are cheating,” said Dees. “No consolidation of teams and players unless allowed by the MWR.”
Games are 50 minutes long or held to seven innings. In lopsided contests there is a mercy rule, called by the umpire, after the third inning.
On Camp Buehring, there is no sliding or stealing bases. In order to limit injuries, running through the bases is authorized.
“We follow the policies set by the American Softball Association and institute rules designed for Camp Buehring. We start each count with one ball and one strike to keep the game moving,” said Dees.
Most teams play once or twice a week depending on their schedule. Due to redeployments, some teams have disbanded. This has caused problems with existing teams.
According to Fitness Center Leader Lawrence Gibson, the MWR tries to schedule as many games as possible taking into account any disbanded teams.
“A lot of teams sign up and are not really here. Our team started in March and has only played 10 games,” said Staff Sgt. Omar Maldonado, B Company, 1204th Aviation Support Battalion.
Because of unpredictable weather patterns, some games have been cancelled on the day they were to have been played. Most cancellations are due to sandstorms or high winds, and the teams are notified via email.
“MWR officials make a risk assessment and can call a game one or two hours before the first pitch,” said Home-Plate Umpire Spc. Greg Woodring, Headquarters Support Co., 1204th Battalion ASB.
Despite volatile weather, most participants and MWR officials agree that the logistics of the field are a negative aspect. The playing area is often covered with rocks that can be hazardous for runners. Using portable lights for evening games can be distracting for players.
“There are a lot of holes in the ground, and sometimes there is no sand—just rock. The portable lights are too low and can blind a player on the infield,” said Sgt. Luis Navarro, 98th Maintenance Battalion.
Over the years, Camp Buehring has made certain improvements and additions to the league. In addition to better communication among MWR officials and teams, the water cooler and sunshade canopy have been well-received among the participants.
Most players agree that the league has positive effects for the post and raises morale.
“We have a really good time. The camaraderie among troops is fantastic,” said Sgt. 1st Class Bryan Blanchard, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st General Support Aviation Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment. “No one is a private or captain (during the games); everyone is the same.”
MWR officials acknowledge that the league is growing by leaps and bounds in terms of popularity among the soldiers.
“In my four years at Buehring, this is greatest amount of participation I have seen,” remarked Gibson. “The dedication and sportsmanship from the players is truly amazing.”
In mid-June, the top 12 teams in the league will compete in a playoff tournament. The best two squads will travel to Camp Arifjan for the Area Support Group-Kuwait Softball Championship. Each camp is allowed to send two teams to compete in the annual event.
The winner of the two-day, double elimination tournament is awarded a trophy that is kept at the command cell of the winning camp. According to Gibson, Camp Buehring and Camp Arifjan are always heavy favorites because of the size of the installations and the heated rivalry.
“Camp Arifjan is very competitive and usually produces a great team,” said Dees. “They have permanent party personnel [who] practice all the time.”
Regardless of who represents Camp Buehring, the regular season will continue until July. In the first week of August, a post-season tournament decides which squad will be named “Camp Champion 2012”. Every team qualifies for the seeded playoffs where a single-game elimination will determine the winner.
“There are some really good teams out there, but if our full squad is back by playoffs, we should be fine,” said Blanchard.
| Date Taken: | 05.25.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 05.25.2012 06:24 |
| Story ID: | 88992 |
| Location: | CAMP BUEHRING, KW |
| Web Views: | 469 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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