Cannon takes Men’s Military World Tournament

Airman Thomas Trower

The Cannon slow-pitch softball team competed in the Men’s Military World Tournament in Panama City, Fla. on Aug. 19. The team represented the base by coming out on top and winning the final game of the tournament against Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., 18-9.

The tournament consisted of 22 teams from several military services from all over the country. It was a double elimination tournament and Cannon went all the way to the final team without a single loss.

One of the head coaches, Tech. Sgt. Brenton Taylor, 522nd Fighter Squadron weapons expediter, said “the toughest game was after Charleston AFB beat us in the championship game sending it to the final game. This was the do or die game.”

All of the team members played their hardest, and it showed, said Sgt. Taylor.

The tournament gave out 10 awards to the best players in the tournament. Out of the 10 spots, Cannon filled seven. Sgt. Taylor held the highest award, the Tournament MVP.

“I just wanted to play my best ball, but the whole team deserves the award. They never quit,” Sgt. Taylor said.

Sgt. Taylor said he believes Mr. Chris Jensen, 27th Services Squadron would be his overall season MVP, so far. “He [Chris Jensen] was a solid player who always contributed 100 percent.”

Sgt. Taylor says to look forward to seeing them there next year. “We’ve yet to miss a military world’s tournament.”

This is the second tournament of the year where the Cannon team has finished first. They won the 22nd Annual Custom Classic in June. The team now has an overall record of 31 wins and 18 losses.

Cannon’s womens’ softball team also played in the tournament, falling after a loss to Hurlburt Field AFB in extra innings, and one loss to Keesler AFB.