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Intramural softball brings out competition, camaraderie

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Daniel Phelps
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  It was the first game of their season and the bases were loaded.

Terry Miracle stepped up to the plate, batting for the 20th Fighter Wing Staff Agencies team. The pitcher lobbed the ball to him. Miracle swung his bat and slammed the ball for a home run, bringing in all of his team mates.

Even with this great play, the 20th Communications Squadron team still topped the Wing Staff team nine to seven, said Darius Turner, the Wing Staff team third baseman and coach.

Angel Jackson, Wing Staff softball team manager had a good time despite the outcome.

"It's been a fun season," she said. "Intramurals is all about going out there and having fun."

Turner said he has always been a sports fanatic, so it only made since to get involved with intramurals when he joined the military. He played baseball in high school, and playing intramural softball here went right along with that.

"Intramurals gives me the opportunity to get out there, compete and have a good time," he said.

Jackson, who currently works in the legal office, began playing softball when she was 12 years old and fell in love with it, she said. She used to play shortstop in high school and some intramurals. She doesn't play intramurals any more, but still helps out by keeping the books for the team.

"I still come out because I love being around softball and sports," she added. "Since our team is Wing Staff, we have people from public affairs and the comptroller squadron, so it gives us the chance to meet new people and provide good networking opportunities."

She believes everyone should get involved with intramurals.

"It's great to get outside of the office and have fun with the people you work with," she commented.

Each team will play around 15 to 20 games depending on whether or not their team makes the championship, said Jackson.

So far the Wing Staff team has played four games, said Turner.

"We're a newer team," he said. "This is the first Wing Staff team in a couple years. We also have a smaller pool of players to choose from."

According to Turner, the teams to watch out for this year are the 20th Mission Support Group civilians, 20th Component Maintenance Squadron Ammo, and the 20th Security Forces Squadron teams.

"I recommend everyone come out and support your squadrons," he added. "Everyone competes and gets competitive, but at the end of the day it's all fun and everyone's having a good time."

The intramural softball season started here on May 24. Games are played at the outdoor sports complex.