Swing batter, batter … swing! Softball players ready for action Published June 29, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Shen-Chia Chu 436th AW Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Softball season is starting and Team Dover players are ready to show their skills out on the field. Many squadrons have assembled their softball-winning teams and are aiming to win the championships. John VanderVen, 436th Security Forces Squadron pitcher, thinks his team will win because a handful of softball players have been on the same team together for almost eight years - they have continuity. "The Maintainers and Cops won the championships during the past couple of years," said VanderVen. "Though the Maintainers won last year, I have no doubt we'll win this year because unlike the Maintainers and the [436th Civil Engineer Squadron] Firedogs, we don't cry about anything that's called out by the referee." VanderVen's rival, the 436th Maintenance Squadron coach, disagrees. "The better team won," said Joe Mageau, 436th MXS coach. "We're not the whiners. Whining happens when you come in second place." Mageau said the real reason his team won last year was because of their positive attitude and mix of players, as well as staying focused on having fun and giving it their best effort. "It's important to play as a team because you're only as strong as your weakest link and we're pretty strong across the board," said Mageau. The defending base champions are fielding two teams this year due to the overwhelming turnout of players that were vying for a chance to be a part of a repeat championship season, said the MXS coach. "Having two teams will allow everyone a chance to play," said Mageau. "We lost some guys from last year, but we have new guys to step up to the plate and we have a good chance of winning if we play as good as we're capable of." The MXS coach said his strategy for the team will be to hit the ball, play defense and have fun while doing it. "I want my teammates to go out there and have a good time playing as a cohesive team, and do everything possible to make sure we upset the Cops with our wins," said Mageau. For information about softball games or schedules, call the Fitness Center at 677-3962.