Bringing your "A game" to the playing field

  • Published
  • By Jake Shaw
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD ARB, Fla. --  If attitude, encouragement or enthusiasm could win games, HIS softball team would be unbeaten. In his playbook, bringing your "A game" to the field means bringing your attitude with you.

Over the past 25 years HE's pitched consistently for his teams, sometimes through injuries like a separated shoulder. And HE's been known to autograph a softball and then give it to the coach of an opposing team when HIS team wins a game.

HE can be heard during games shouting, "FEAR ME." And when HE records a strike out he pumps his fist and adds a swagger to his step to add insult to injury.

"I don't feel sorry for anyone that strikes out in a slow-pitch softball game," HE said.

Watching HIM, listening to HIM, you'd think he's Roger Clemens striking out 20 people in a Major League Baseball game.

Make the mistake of hitting a dribbler (ground ball) to HIM and he'll surely tell you, "not this time," as HE makes the throw to first base and sends you walking shamefully back to the dugout.

"Intimidation is not really a part of my game, but I like to talk it up on the field, get inside my opponents' heads and try to psych them out," HE says.

"It helps to raise the confidence level of my team and it makes us all play better, HE says, and "it makes the game more interesting when you stir the pot a little bit and create some rivalry," HE adds.

And stir the pot HE does.

Whether he's heckling his own team, his opponents or both, HE's always talking out there, said Carmen Martinez, a teammate.

"HIS attitude is bigger than the game itself," said another teammate who asked to remain anonymous.

But maybe it's not a bad idea to reach for a psychological advantage on the field.

"Your opponents are constantly trying to take advantage of your weaknesses, so you have to show them you're fearless," said Martinez.

And there are lots of competitors looking for that advantage in the league this year. Among HIS opponents, a group of fighter pilots and a group of special forces troops, And then there's that team that boasts a lineup of home-run hitters that occasionally draw intentional walks to stop them from knocking it out of the park.

Compared to HIS team, which consists of some "veteran" players, some "well-rounded" players, and a few vertically challenged superstars, the other teams seem to have a huge advantage.

But don't underestimate HIS effect on HIS team and opponents, on and off the field.

HIS teammates consider him to be the spirit of the team.

"HE's our cheerleader," said Martinez. "He keeps us focused when we're down," she added.

He may be a "veteran" and he may not be the most physically intimidating player in the league, but he goes out there and has a good time and does his best to make sure his team plays well, HE said.

"And my team will make a good showing in the playoffs. In fact, they [league officials] should just give MY team the first place trophy and let the other teams play for second place."

Right now HIS team is in good standing, with a record of 6-1 according to a league official.

Fighter pilots, special forces and home-run dingers beware; attitude can win games, and that's a lesson we can all learn from HOPPY.

So remember to bring your "A game" when you come to play at HOPPY's field.

(Editors note: Larry "HOPPY" Hopkins, a Department of Defense Police Officer, is the pitcher for the 482nd Security Forces softball team here at Homestead Air Reserve Base.)