Marine's final Most Valuable Player title

Photo By Cpl. Justin Wheeler | Todd Hodgkinson, pitcher for 3rd Marine Logistics Group, is awarded tournament most valuable player during his last Western Pacific Regional Softball Tournament before retirement, Aug. 14.  

OKINAWA, JAPAN

08.27.2010

Story by Lance Cpl. Justin Wheeler 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

OKINAWA, Japan - It was Todd Hodgkinson's last game when he was awarded the most-valuable player for the Western Pacific Regional Softball Tournament. According to the coach, Hodgkinson, the pitcher for the 3rd Marine Logistics Group softball team, is the definition of a softball veteran.

"Hodgkinson is a softball veteran in every sense of the word," said Travis Oakley, coach of the 3rd MLG softball team. "A softball veteran is someone who not only knows how to play the game but continues to learn and mentors the younger players- that is Todd."

In 1989, at age 24, the Southgate, Mich., native played his first games of Far East softball, for the 3rd Marine Division team. Several team changes and eight Western Pacific regionals later, Hodgkinson, now 44 and a Master Sergeant, is finishing strong in the sport he loves.

"My most memorable moment was catching Chris Wine's hit down the middle and throwing it out of pocket [after falling to the ground] to get an out," said Hodgkinson about the 2010 Western Pacific softball championship game. "Chris Wine is the best hitter from 1st MAW."

To Oakley, Hodgkinson's pitching was the foundation for the team during the tournament.

"That's the best I've ever seen him play," said Oakley. "This is probably his shining moment."

Last year, Hodgkinson's ability to play was halted when he broke his nose. Hodgkinson then, acted as the coach for the 3rd MLG team rather than a player, he said. His final year Hodgkinson wanted to pitch and the end result of his playing was unforgettable.

He attributes their win to the whole team.

"The MLG never wins at softball!" said Hodgkinson who is serving his fourth tour on Okinawa, “For us to come from 4th place the previous year to 1st this year is an accomplishment."

His dedication to the sport and his teammates throughout his 26-year active duty career emphasizes his level of dedication to the thing he loves.

"He's really serious about the things he does," says Gunnery Sgt. Chris Abello, operations chief with Marine Air Ground Task Force Material Distribution Center, 3rd Distribution Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd MLG, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

"He likes to mentor the young NCO's. He likes to put his full effort into everything he does. If his plans are to really retire, I wish him well. When he gets out, I know he'll do well because he's a good Marine and person," he added.

"I'll continue to play softball when I get out," said Hodgkinson. "My dad played until he was 62." Hodgkinson hopes his teammates with the 3rd MLG continue to play softball.
"Keep on playing softball," said Hodgkinson to his players. "Some of you guys have real potential."

• Date Taken: 08.27.2010
• Date Posted: 08.26.2010 01:52
• Story ID: 55180
• Location: OKINAWA, JP