Kickball league encourages camaraderie, teamwork

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Magen M. Reeves
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Morale is high here at the 341st Missile Wing, thanks to the combined efforts of base leadership and fun-seeking Airmen.

Maj. Jeremy Sheppard, 341st Missile Security Forces Squadron commander, came up with the idea to start the kickball league.

“I challenged every squadron commander on base to join in on a kickball league and most units answered the call,” said Sheppard. “Playing a fun sport together can improve camaraderie and spur friendly competition.”

Teams consist of 11 individuals playing defense.

“It is an opportunity to get people together to have fun,” said Sheppard. “People who may not usually participate in team sports can get involved outside of mandatory squadron functions.”

All players, including batters, must have a cup in their hand filled with a beverage of choice at all times on the field during a game.

“Players are allowed to have a liquid of their choice which can mean anything from soda to water,” said Sheppard. “That aspect of the game is to add a fun twist, and encourage people to come out and play. It’s all about thinking outside the box.”

Sheppard also said teams are responsible for each other and work as a team even after the game ends.

The first game took place July 29 between the 341st MSFS Gunslingers and the 12th Missile Squadron Red Dawgs.

“The Mighty Red Dawgs of the 12th Missile Squadron were defeated by the Gunslingers,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Hays, 12th MS commander. “It was a beat-down of epic proportions. I should have known better than to take on the cops for the first game.”

What began as an idea has sky-rocketed in popularity and turned into a full-blown unofficial, base-wide sport.

“It was awesome,” said Hays. “We have to keep this going, in the spirit of keeping things fun.”

There are squadron teams on official rosters, a bracket schedule with winners and losers, scheduled playing time and a comically hefty list of rules for a children’s sport being played by adults.

According to the rules, heckling is highly encouraged but should be respectful at all times. Every team member must kick and kicking order must be maintained throughout the game.

“Everyone who comes out gets to play,” said Sheppard.

Each team gets three outs per inning, with seven innings per game. Pitches must be rolled in a straight line at a moderate speed, and runners cannot lead or steal bases.

Between the combined efforts of Sheppard and Hays, the kickball league shows no signs of slowing down.

“It was a ton of fun and I think everyone had a blast,” said Sheppard. “We will keep this momentum going.”