Chiefs beat eagles again

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stephenie Wade
  • 51st Fighter Wing, Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The Chiefs beat the Eagles 10 to 7 in what seemed to be an endless game of softball at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea July 1. 

The annual softball game is a tradition at Osan to kick-off the fourth of July holiday weekend. There has been much talk about this game, and according to Chief Master Sgt. Bernard Thompson, 51st Operations Group superintendant, the Eagles haven't won a game here since 1980. 

The game started out with the coin toss. The Chiefs chose heads and won, taking the outfield first but not without a few pre-game remarks from each team. 

"There's no doubt about it, the Chiefs are going to lose," said Col. Mark D. Mattison, 51st Fighter Wing vice commander. He continued to say, "I would hate to come out and play if I was as old as them." 

"It's a sad case when they have to recruit (non-colonels) but we will take them on anyways," said Chief Master Sgt. David Wood, Seventh Air Force director of intelligence, chief enlisted manager. 

The first inning went to the Eagles 3-0, but it did not last. The Chiefs gained more points each inning and by the fourth it was tied 5-5. 

By the end of the fifth, the Chiefs were ahead 8-6, and that's when the talking between the two teams escalated. 

The Chiefs shouted, "No loyalty to the boss!" 

The Eagles yelled, "If the colonels are behind in the end, we will just keep batting." 

"Squeal like a pig," commented the Chiefs. 

"Get back in your cage," replied the Eagles. 

The game was not without its entertaining moments. Col. Thomas Deale, 51st Fighter Wing commander, destroyed an orange at his first time at bat and the trophy was a bottle of cheap wine. 

As the game ended, both teams showed good sportsmanship by high fiving, but not without leaving a little animosity on the field for next year's game. 

"Well it's nice and sweet leaving Osan after my couple years here not letting the Colonels beat us," said Chief Master Sergeant Darrin Dwyer, 51st Fighter Wing command chief. "It's always a great opportunity to come out and play with colonels and chiefs to show Airmen the espirit de corps we have. Maybe the colonels will get some pride and build a team next year." 

As the Chiefs walked away with the victory again, the Eagles will have to look ahead to next year to bring victory back to their side.