Running to bases, hitting home runs and catching the winning ball are all in a day’s work for the Marines of Miramar’s Intramural Softball League, which began its spring season March 3.
The Semper Fit Program sponsored the 13 teams which are made of at least 10 active duty service members each.
The members play softball for different reasons, including the camaraderie they build with other players and past experiences they’ve had with the sport.
“It’s been a family tradition,” said Gunnery Sgt. Gabriel Perez, a softball player with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force. “I used to play when I was a kid and now my daughter plays.”
Participating in sports helps service members stay active and create unit cohesion, explained Todd Howard, the sports coordinator with the Semper Fit Center. It also helps build teamwork and sportsmanship skills.
The teams play on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 11:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Each team will play 12 games throughout the season. The top eight teams will compete for trophies at the end of the season in May.
The Intramural Softball League allows many Miramar Marines to better themselves by getting out of the office and onto the fields. Not only can they build teamwork within their unit, but they can also have fun.
For more information about the league, contact Howard at 858-577-1202.
-30-