JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND –
Pitcher Brett Cannon has been a part of 802nd Force Support Squadron softball teams that have won Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland and JBSA-wide intramural softball championships.
One thing he has not forgotten during his tenure on the team is that intramural softball is supposed to primarily be fun.
"It's cool to win championships, but I would rather everyone play and have fun than waste their time coming out here and not get to play," Cannon said. "In the previous years, some guys would not get to play. That is not what this (intramural sports program) is about. It is about building team spirit and having camaraderie."
The 802nd FSS seemed to be having a blast on the field, handing 802nd Contracting Squadron a lopsided 19-6 loss in an American League matchup to improve to 3-0.
The reigning JBSAS intramural softball champions powered in seven runs after 10 hits in the first inning.
The FSS brought in an extra 12 runs behind base hits from Cannon, outfielder Daniel Ayon, shortstop Dan Miller, and first baseman Gilbert Cornejo in the second inning.
Cannon allowed zero hits and only one walk in the second and third inning after 802nd CONS produced four early runs in the first. Relief pitcher Michael Richardson gave up two hits and two runs in the fourth.
Cannon attributes the undefeated start to the team having a nice mix of players who play varsity softball and have been on the All-Air Force softball team.
If the FSS loses at some point during the season, he said it is because they don't hit.
Cannon praised the team's defense amid its high scoring production.
"We have enough outfielders to where we can handle our defense. Our lineup is pretty good," Cannon said.
While power has led FSS to two JBSA softball championships, this year's team speed and knack for getting on base has set them apart from the squadron's previous softball teams.
"The guys that we have now take two extra bases so it's good and how we can compete," Cannon said.