U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan hosted the 2016 Slow Pitch Pacific-Wide Softball Tournament May 27-30 at Lombardo Field. The 2016 Women's Pacific-Wide Homerun Derby event was held May 26, and the opening ceremony May 27 kicked off the four-day event.
"This softball tournament originated back in the early 1970s in the Philippines," said Bennie Jackson, Yongsan garrison sports director. "It brings together teams from many different places like Taiwan, the United States, Shanghai and Japan here to Korea. What started to give Soldiers an opportunity for recreation has become a huge tournament that everyone has come to expect and enjoy."
"It's great weather for softball today," said Maj. Gen. David W. Puster, deputy commander of Eighth Army, at the opening ceremony. "Ladies and gentlemen, I just want to welcome all of you to the 26th Annual Slow Pitch Men's and Women's Softball Tournament. I know some of you traveled thousands of miles here to participate in this event. I thank you for not only showing commitment to teamwork, but also setting great examples for others to follow."
This year, 12 teams for the men's open division, 12 teams for the intramural and 10 teams for the women's open division came together to become the champion of the 2016 Pacific-Wide Men's and Women's Softball Tournament. In the end, the American Legion from Okinawa was able to defend its title, remaining undefeated throughout the tournament.
"I'm here to have fun and support my team. Hopefully we can win the tournament because we practiced three times a week after work and every weekend," said Pfc. Taryn Wigal from 6-52 Air and Missile Defense, Camp Casey.
Social Sharing