KADENA AIR BASE, Japan - An 18th Dental Squadron dental technician is making a name for himself in the sporting world.
Senior Airman Cody Hyde has been an athlete his entire life. Now, after only a few years of being serious about baseball, he's been invited to the armed forces baseball team's training camp.
The team is made up of players across all services, and it's not easy to get invited.
"They used to hold tryouts for the team, but now it's only by coach or player recommendation; I play baseball with a guy here who played for them, and he told me to apply," Hyde said. "So I went online and submitted a package and was invited to the training camp."
According to Hyde, a relatively new baseball player, his favorite part about the sport is "definitely the training."
"You don't get better during the game, you get better during practice, and when you really love doing something it's not hard to come out here and work and sweat for hours at a time," Hyde said.
But Hyde isn't just excited for the opportunity to play baseball; he's also excited to represent his branch of service.
"I'm really excited to get to play baseball for the Air Force, and to get the represent the Air Force to the general public," Hyde said. "The armed forces team travels a lot and volunteers with the community, especially with kids, which should be a lot of fun."
Even with all the team has to offer, Hyde said that a simple phone call from someone special is what makes it all worth it.
"I think the most rewarding part of all of this, is having my mom call me and tell me how proud she is," Hyde said. "She's been really supportive of this whole experience, and I just feel so blessed to get this opportunity."
Hyde will attend the armed forces baseball team's training camp May 29 through June 8, and if he makes the team, will travel across the U.S. doing what he loves.