KENT, Ohio -- Master Sgt. Bob Zender, 76th Aerial Port Squadron passenger service NCOIC pitches during one of the 910th Airlift Wing Air Force Falcons make up game at Allerton Field in Kent, Ohio, July 10, 2012. The Falcons softball team consists of Youngstown Air Reserve Station servicemembers and civilians who participate in this men's summer softball league. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Megan Tomkins)
KENT, Ohio -- Master Sgt. Scott Smith, 910th Medical Squadron healthcare services manager, bats during one of the 910th Airlift Wing Air Force Falcons make up game at Allerton Field in Kent, Ohio, July 10, 2012. The Falcons softball team consists of Youngstown Air Reserve Station servicemembers and civilians who participate in this men's summer softball league. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Megan Tomkins)
KENT, Ohio -- Staff Sgt. Mark Chambers, 910th Civil Engineer fire fighter awaits Master Sgt. Scott Smith's, 910th Medical Squadron healthcare service manager, throw from outfield to third base during one of the 910th Airlift Wing Air Force Falcons make up game at Allerton Field in Kent, Ohio, July 10, 2012. The Falcons softball team consists of Youngstown Air Reserve Station servicemembers and civilians who participate in this men's summer softball league. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Megan Tomkins)
KENT, Ohio -- The 910th Airlift Wing Air Force Falcons softball team load the bases during their make up game at Allerton Field in Kent, Ohio, July 10, 2012. The Falcons softball team consists of Youngstown Air Reserve Station servicemembers and civilians who participate in this men's summer softball league. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Megan Tomkins)
7/12/2012 - KENT, Ohio -- The 910th Airlift Wing softball team, the Air Force Falcons, played two make-up games versus the Grandview Marauders July 10, 2012, at Allerton Fields in Kent, Ohio.
The Falcons won the first game 16-4 and lost the second 15-10. Their current season record is 7-9.
Although the Falcons do not have the best record in the league and have dealt with several injuries, the team members said it has still been a good season.
"It's hard to win games when half the team is injured or TDY," said Airman 1st Class Stephen Dezsi, 910th Communications Squadron knowledge operations manager. "But we have a great team and great players with great personalities."
The players on the team are military members and civilians from Youngstown Air Reserve Station.
"We are a very diverse team," said Dezsi. "From me being the youngest to the grandpas, but those grandpas are who you learn from on how to play smart softball."
Dezsi said the team doesn't only focus on winning; they try to improve every game and bonding with the other team members is important as well.
"You can't beat the camaraderie," said Dezsi. "[The season] was amazing with the best group of guys I have ever played softball with."
"We are like brothers," he continued. "We like to joke around and have fun, but when there's a mistake obviously we make our jokes but in the end it's a learning experience. For us to improve we need to play both games all seven innings, not get comfortable with any lead and just keep those bats swinging."
Next week the Falcons have their last week of regular season games and then they will begin the playoffs. The team is hopeful that they will do well and that next year they will do even better with more players.
"We do have those weeks where we are short on players," said Dezsi. "We are always looking for new people to come play even if they can't commit for the season and they can play for just a few games. We would love to have people."
For more information on joining the 910th AW Air Force Falcons, contact Chief Master Sgt. Paul Wagner at paul.wagner@us.af.mil.
