TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The Tinker Hawks varsity basketball team has a long history of representing the base against other military teams.
Now the base has a new face in another sport: softball.
The Tinker F5 team has been representing the base in adult leagues and military games since last fall.
Staff Sgt. and coach Emilio Garza IV said the idea came about as a way to make the base more visible in local communities and for eligibility in playing other military teams. The team most often plays spring, summer and fall leagues at the 240 Sports Complex in Oklahoma City.
“When we play locally, it gives us a chance to build community relations,” Garza said. “We represent the base and we represent the military, so that’s our biggest thing. And just going out there and having fun.”
Assistant coach Chris Baker, with the Defense Logistics Agency, said it’s been years since the base has had an official team. One of the opportunities it has allowed was a game earlier this spring in Tulsa against the Louisville Slugger Warriors.
The nationally sponsored Warriors are comprised of military veterans and active duty personnel who have suffered service-connected physical and invisible wounds. “They beat us 21-20,” Baker said. “It was just an exhibition game, but playing those guys is always fun and an honor.”
“The roster includes about 18 players and adjustments always have to be made due to TDYs and other assignments,” Garza said. They play in the seven-team Sunday upper men’s league at the complex.
“Our biggest thing is errors happen in softball, and it’s not a deal breaker,” he said. “We go out there and we have fun.”
Garza also enjoys the sport for its family orientation. He’s the father of a three-month-old girl. The team consists of players from all across the base, including civilians, contractors and Navy players.
“It’s something you can take your family out to,” he said. “I try and treat the team as family, so we go out and have team dinners after a game or after a tournament. We’ve got a great team.”