JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
One might be surprised to learn how far a person could go by only using a metal bat, lime-green balls, leather mitt and white bases on an Air Force base's recreational softball field.
When retired Master Sgt. Steve "Pup" Shortland arrived at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph as his first duty station, signing up to play on the Air Force Personnel Center's intramural softball team was only the beginning of his highly successful military and athletic career.
Shortland first started playing softball when he was 18 years old in a local league with his friends, he said.
"At first we just horsed around," Shortland said, "but as time went on we started entering tournaments and did pretty well."
Shortland was first assigned to AFPC at Randolph when he enlisted into the Air Force in 1983. While serving on active duty, he was stationed at Zweibrucken Air Base, Germany; Eaker Air Force Base, Ark.; Offutt AFB, Neb.; and then was brought back to San Antonio where he completed his 22-year Air Force career at the same location he began it.
"I have known him (Shortland) since 1998 when I first arrived here at Randolph," Jim Miller, AFPC head softball coach, said. "I played for Air Force Recruiting Services here on base and I used to play against him."
Those who were on opposing teams to Shortland always looked forward to the end of the season because he would have to leave before intramural playoffs began so he could compete for the All-Air Force team, Miller said.
Within 19 seasons of playing softball for AFPC, Shortland won 16 championships.
"We always looked forward to him leaving because he was so good," Miller said.
During his active-duty career, Shortland competed not only for the All-Air Force team, but he also played on multiple elite, nationwide civilian teams.
Shortland was selected to be the head coach of the men's USA softball team four years ago, Miller said. Out of the four championships, he has led his team to three victories.
"It's like having another coach on the team even though he's not the coach," Miller said. "He's the coach of Team USA, what more can I say? Whenever I need help, he's right there. You would think it might be intimidating, but it's not because he gives me the autonomy to do what I want. He's the most laid-back and humble guy I have ever met."
Shortland is well known around the softball community for being an honest, sincere and kind player.
"First and foremost, he's a teacher," Miller said. "You'd think that playing softball means just going out, hitting the ball and scoring a lot of runs, but there's a lot to be learned and he teaches it so well. He always comes across in a positive way. Like he says, 'when you lose, don't lose the lesson.' When you make mistakes, learn from them."