Air Force Men's Softball Team hopeful

  • Published
  • By Chris Willis
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
Baseball, a classic American sport, has thrilled and inspired the nation's youth for decades.  For Staff Sgt. Jimmy Fulcher, 341st Security Forces Group evaluator, his childhood dream might come true this year, as he competes for a spot on the Air Force Men's Softball Team.

"I have never done something like this, it will be my first time trying out for any kind of Air Force level sport," Fulcher said. "I love to play softball, and I am very humbled and thankful to have this opportunity."

Fulcher, who has been playing baseball since he was five, has always loved the sport.

"I come from a background of baseball players and fans," he said. "Baseball has been in my blood for a long time."

Fulcher has been training intensely by hitting the gym and the field as much as he can, but he hasn't been doing it all alone.
       
"My friends and co-workers have taken their own personal time to help me practice many different field positions by pitching and throwing to me several times a week," he said.

This year's softball tryouts will be held in San Antonio, Texas, but for Fulcher this isn't his first time in the area.

"I went to basic training in San Antonio, and also completed my seven-level course there too.  Now I get to go down there and play softball with a lot of my old friends," he said.

The tryouts will be held over a five-day period. At the camp, players will start their day with infield and outfield hitting and then spend the second part of the day playing multiple scrimmages, giving the coaches a chance to evaluate each player's skill level.

"As far as nerves go, I'm sure I will be nervous that first morning," Fulcher said. "There is going to be a lot of great ball players there, but it's going to be a ton of fun playing with guys I used to play with at previous bases."

If Fulcher does get one of the 15 open spots on the Air Force team, his shop is going to lose him for several months during the softball season.

"My shop and leadership have been very supportive, they are behind me 100 percent," he said. "I know a lot of people don't get a chance to do something like this, so I am very grateful and I will go there and do my best."