The battle is on for both bragging rights and a not-too-shiny award that shows the area’s support for its Armed Forces.
The goal is to fill Toyota field for the June 12 softball game that pits Team Redstone against its community counterpart team that includes Huntsville and Madison mayors.
The winner takes the Odd-looking “Target-destroyed” trophy that declares the hunk of metal is the “remnant of a QF-86E wing drop tank.”
Parking is free, the game is free and the first 500 entrants will get free hotdogs. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the first pitch is at 6 p.m.
The three-time defending champion Redstone team will play the North Alabama Rockets. Team Redstone will try to recapture the Target Destroyed trophy by beating the North Alabama Rockets, the community leaders’ team.
Redstone Arsenal Garrison Commander Col. Brian Cozine is also back his second year on the team, and his last in his commander position as he transitions to a new assignment in August.
“We’re out here to play again and let people know that Team Redstone is a Federal Center of Excellence,” Cozine said. “It’s not just an Army team. This is a true 'Team Redstone' team. We’re here and happy to support the fans and we look forward to seeing everyone at the field!”
Redstone won 23-10 last year as retired Sgt. 1st Class Chris Tilley went 3-for-4 with a three-run homer, a solo shot and three runs scored. His three-run dinger in the bottom of the sixth hit the left field fence at Toyota Field on the fly.
Members of the opposing Rockets, the community leaders’ team, reverently call him “Thor.” Tilley is ready to drop the hammer again this year.
“We’re going to win like we always do,” he humble bragged.
The Redstone coaches include retired Master Sgt. Marius “Doc” Dockery, the pitcher, of the Aviation Mission Systems and Architecture Project Office; retired Marine Master Sgt. Ty Butler; and Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Dylan Lemasters.
“Third time’s a charm,” Dockery said. “Fourth time’s a dynasty.”
“Redstone will not be defeated,” Butler said. “Madison County/City can standby to be four-peated. We will prevail.”
“It’s not rocket surgery,” said U.S. Garrison Redstone Command Sgt. Maj. Dylan Lemasters said. “We came to win.”
The returning first baseman is Larry Cothren, division chief for aircraft survivability equipment at the Redstone Test Center. “This is usually a fun event,” he said.
Back for his fourth year with the team is Maj. Eugene Muniz, assistant product manager for the Missile Defense Agency. He had two hits in last year’s game.
Vee Gonzales, catcher, is back for her second year. She is public affairs officer for the
Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office. Adam Creel, chief engineer of the hypersonic launcher at RCCTO, is a first-year player.
“I think it’s going to be different and challenging this year as defending champions,” Gonzales said. “But I think we have a great crew and some new people that will step to that challenge.”
Representing NASA is Robert Champion, project manager for exploration upper stage in the Artemis program at Marshall Space Flight Center. This is his second year with the team.
“After last year, I got all the confidence in the world. We’re gonna wipe the floor with them,” Champion said laughing, “Got a great team.!"
Social Sharing