Swingers Win Title

The Swingers claimed their eighth base softball championship in 10 years by beating the Thumpers 14-2 on Sept. 4. Pictured are, back row from left, Travis Moore, Doak Wishon, James Robinson, Brian Butler, Bud Cox, Glen Kierstead, Bobby Barbee and John Kinnamon; second row, Brad Jackson, Mike Bryant, Jimmy Bland, Ryan Hurst, “Bama” Phillips and Robby Foreman; seated in front, Coah Robert Mahan. Not pictured are Jimmy Horton and Deano Smith. (Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Caleb Wanzer)

Swingers knock out eighth base championship

Published Sept. 12, 2014
By John Parker
Staff Writer

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE - Okla. -- The perennially powerful Swingers softball team won its eighth base championship in 10 years last week, knocking out the Thumpers 14-2 in the final.

The Swingers struggled early in the first game of the double-elimination final, finding themselves down 13-4 in the first three innings. The umpire warned of a run-rule loss if the Swingers didn't score.

Hitters Brad Jackson, Glen Kierstead and Doak Wishon smashed out three home runs after coach Robert Mahan, the F119 work load manager, emphasized the team's situation.

"I went over and said, 'Guys, really? We played all year to get run-ruled?'" he said. "We came back and scored the next 19 runs and won 23-13."

The Swingers kept up their defense in the final game. Mahan credited pitcher Ryan Hurst and
shortstop Brad Jackson for shutting down the Thumpers up the middle. Bud Cox, Wishon and James Robinson each hit home runs in the 14-2 victory.

Mahan said the Thumpers are a "class act."

The spring season, which began in June, brought the Swingers' overall record to 182-13. The players are civilians from multiple units around the base.

Mahan said the Swingers share a good chemistry, with about 10 players who've been on the team since day one.

"We had a lot of injuries, but we have enough guys that everyone can fill in at different spots," he said. "We just try to keep it like a family and go out there and have fun."

Team members are already talking about next year, he said.

"Every year I talk to my wife and say, 'this is it,'" he said. "She'll say, 'talk to the hand.'
The team has a tradition of eating after the games and inviting opponents and officials to join in.

"I try to make it a family environment," he said. "We just try to keep it like a family and go out there and have fun. I mean, you're out there for fellowship. We're all too old anymore."