MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. -- The Combat Center’s best softball players gathered into two dugouts June 30 for the Commanding General’s Intramural Softball League All-Star game at the installation’s Felix Field.
The players, who were selected from various intramural teams, earned their spots on the roster and enjoyed a much less stressful match than usual, said Kyle Matthews, the head coach of the White team, and a native of Winnebago, Neb.
“I’m normally the coach for [Exercise Support Division],” he said. “It’s pretty awesome being chosen for this spot as head coach. For the game though, I’ll just put everyone where they’re comfortable and work from there.”
Matthews said the game was a great opportunity for him, as well as everyone else.
“We’re just here to have fun, and play some softball with no pressure, because the game doesn’t matter for standing or anything. Just good, ol’ fashioned bragging rights,” he said.
Matt McCaskill, a first baseman with the White team, said he was having a great time and enjoyed the competition.
“It’s just a lot of fun,” said the Midlothian, Texas, native. “Our team is doing pretty good. I always have the most fun when just a bunch of us get together and play.”
The players shined like the all-stars they are, going back and forth between two games. The White team took the first game with a score of 11-8. The blue team had one more chance to make their mark.
“I’m predicting we’re going to win this game,” said Lee Landin, an outfielder with the Blue team and a native of Dallas. “They got us the first game, but we can pull it out now, we’re awake.”
“The second game saw a scorching Blue victory, 23-5, opening up the teams to a tie-breaker. At the end of the night, White claimed the final victory, 11-1.
Landin said his inaugural experience at the game was a good one, and he looks forward to playing more in the future.
“This is my first all-star game I’ve ever played in,” he said. “It feels good to be here. I just can’t wait for the end of the season and the playoffs to see how far we go in the post season.”
The all-stars have returned to their teams, and will shine again once the season ends and playoffs begin July 7.