Singers nab ninth softball championship

The Swingers relish their ninth base championship Sept. 3 after defeating the Silverbacks in the final. Standing from left to right, back row, are Deano Smith, James Robinson, Bud Cox, Bama Phillips, Ryan Hurst, Mike Bryant, Glen Kierstead, Travis Moore and Bobby Barbee. Up front are Jimmy Bland, Brad Jackson, Doak Wishon, Robert Mahan and Robby Foreman. Not pictured are John Kinnamon and Brandon Pearson. (Courtesy photo/Released)

Swingers nab ninth softball championship

Published Sept. 11, 2015
By John Parker
Staff Writer

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The Swingers were all hits and no misses this year again as they banged out an undefeated season and clinched the base softball championship.

The longtime powerhouse won the championship game 12-4 in four innings against the Silverbacks on Sept. 3. The Swingers carried home their ninth championship in 11 years.

The team with civilian players from across the base toppled the Thumpers 15-6 in the five-inning semifinal. The two run-rule victories boosted the Swingers' all-time record to 198-13, coach Robert Mahan, the F119 work load manager, said.

The Swingers overcame injury losses of two players in their 16-0 regular season, plus two during the playoffs, Mahan said. He credits the team's success to fielding reliable hitters from the top to the bottom of the lineup.

"The key to beating a lot of the teams we play is you've got to have your bottoms roll the top," he said. "Your bottom hitters have gotta hit, and a lot of teams can't do that."

Mahan credits a strong defense, as well. This is the team's fifth undefeated season, he said.

"We've got good chemistry," he said. "We've been playing together so long. Playing with these guys is a blessing. It's like our family on base."

Doak Wishon led the team in season home runs, with eight. Bama Phillips ran up a .910 batting average.