Dobbins intramural softball team: WORLD’S BEST Published Sept. 7, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Chelsea Smith Public Affairs DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- Dobbins Air Reserve Base is the home of the new world military champions in intramural softball. Soldiers and airmen here competed in the USSSA Military World Softball Championship held Aug. 18-21 at Frank Brown Park Sports Complex in Panama City Beach, Fla. The team played five games competing against various active-duty and reserve teams from Tindall Air Force Base, Fort Polk, Warner Robins Air Force Base, and numerous other leagues. The 15-member roster included Air and National Guard members here, some of whom were recruited by head coach and manager Ronald George, retired Sgt. Maj. and senior retention advisor here. "We were always just four players away from a good team," said George. "I travelled to ballparks and found highly skilled players. They're now drilling reservists in the National Guard." A player on the team for three years, George recently became manager and head coach, and aimed to instill a more efficient leadership style that enabled the team to compete at a higher level, he said. "The key to success this year was building a strong team with the essential fundamental skills to play at a competitive level," said George. "The team is similar to a military unit in which attendance to practice is mandatory and a member must earn their playtime." With this year's success, the intramural team is scheduled to advance to the varsity B division, one skill-level above the intramural level, more competitive and also the largest division in the league. Although the team has been successful on the field, funding has been an issue adversely affecting tournament participation and overall team morale. Currently, players pay the bulk of expenses out-of-pocket including tournament entry fees, uniforms and travel expenses, said George. The team's pitcher and all-tournament most valuable player, Spc. Scott Douglas, 221st Military Intelligence Battalion, actively searched for sponsors and found support from Hero Energy Shot, an energy drink founded as a way to give back to those who serve. Actively searching for a military sports team to fund, new jerseys and the tournament entry fee were covered by the organization. "We're not just playing a game," said Douglas. "Team members are representing the Dobbins community, working within the community and actively recruiting the best players.We need more internal support from the military community to support our vision as a team." Douglas, a leader on the field, has been playing softball for 22 years and said he had the confidence to lead the team because of his extensive experience as a player. "It was a proud moment when I won MVP," said Douglas. "Even though it's an individual accomplishment, I couldn't have done it without the hard work and success from the team members playing along with me." It's more than a game for these players, said Douglas. The team has trained extensively for the past couple of years, but it just so happens that the pieces fell together this year, he said. "The team camaraderie was present and we had an outstanding mentality after we won the first game," he said. "From then on, we were the team to beat." If you're interested in joining the team, please contact Ron George at 770- 313-3732 for an individual try-out. You may also contact Larry Dudley at 678-655-4872 to become involved in Dobbins intramural sports.
