Little league makes it big

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Carmen Fleischmann | Air Force Staff Sgt. Aaron Rule, a member of Joint Task Force Guantanamo, helps a child adjust his shin guards during the first game of the little league season at Cooper Field, April 27. Rule volunteers as a coach with the U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay youth baseball league. JTF Guantanamo conducts safe, humane, legal and transparent care and custody of detainees, including those convicted by military commission and those ordered released. The JTF conducts intelligence collection, analysis and dissemination for the protection of detainees and personnel working in JTF Guantanamo facilities and in support of the Global War on Terror. JTF Guantanamo provides support to the Office of Military Commissions, to law enforcement and to war crimes investigations. The JTF conducts planning for and, on order, responds to Caribbean mass migration operations.  

05.08.2009

Story by Sgt. Carmen Fleischmann 

Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs

Far away from their own families, Joint Task Force Guantanamo troopers unfortunately miss out on the joy of watching their children toss around the ball in the backyard. Their lengthy deployments also prevent them from attending baseball games and other childhood sporting events. Thanks to U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Morale, Welfare and Recreation however, troopers can still be a vital asset in instilling that sense of teamwork and pride in other children.

Several JTF troopers volunteer their time in the evenings to coach children in the base little league.

At least 60 of Guantanamo Bay's youngest residents took part in this season's youth baseball league opener. This was the first time the league has been able to utilize the new baseball facilities at Cooper Field. A combination of ball park concession favorites, soft red dirt and cheering fans conspired to bring America's favorite pastime to the installation. From early April until the end of May, two divisions, ranging in ages from seven to 14, will go head-to-head with an opposing team. At the first game of the season, the Mud Cats took on the Bees, and the Yankees battled the Rangers.

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Orlando Quintero, a JTF combat cameraman, sees coaching the Rangers as a way to pass on the true values of baseball in young military dependents.

"The program teaches them the value of teamwork and good sportsmanship," Quintero said. "The main objective is not to win every game, but to learn the value of working together."

The JTF volunteer coaches also try to maintain a sense of encouragement and sportsmanship with the youngsters, without adding the pressure of striving for victory. That's why the seven- to 10-year-old teams do not even keep score. Instead, their performances are gauged by examining their motivation, participation and skill level.

"I'm impressed," said Army Sgt. Michael Baltz, with the Joint Task Force public affairs office. "They knew it was game time."

Over the next 11 games, the coaches hope their teams will grow together in camaraderie, improve their individual skills and — above all — have fun.

• Date Taken: 05.08.2009
• Date Posted: 05.13.2009 10:50
• Story ID: 33560