Space World Series: 21st SW wins!

by 1st Lt. Stacy Glaus
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

9/25/2013 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- A bright, sunny day set the stage for the first ever Space World Series game here Sept. 20.

The Space World Series was a softball game of colonels and chief master sergeants from the 21st Space Wing versus colonels and chief master sergeants from the 50th Space Wing. Naturally, Team 2-1 took home the victory with a final score of 21 - 15, with Team 2-1's starting pitcher, Chief Master Sgt. Rich Redman, 21st Space Wing command chief, earning the win.

While the purpose of the game was to bring two space wings together for an afternoon of fun and camaraderie, there was also an underlying competitiveness to win.

"There was a competitive edge to it when taking on the other wing, but it was really just a morale builder for all of us to get our wings out to cheer on their team," said Chief Master Sgt. Vincent Persichetti, 21st Civil Engineer Squadron chief enlisted manager. "It was just a very fun time."

Team 2-1 found part of their motivation to win from the guest announcer, the 50th Space Wing public affairs team.

"The 50th Space Wing PA who called the game, turned out to be a little biased toward the 50th," said Perisichetti. "It actually served as a motivator for us to win."

And win they did, but not without having a little fun as well.

"Everyone was really out to have a good time and put forth their best effort," said Persichetti. "And it was just icing on the cake when we took home the win."

While there is no Space World Series trophy, the winners did not leave empty handed.

"Col. Liquori (50th SW commander) and I made a deal before the beginning of the game that the losing team would display the winning team as 'Masters of Softball' on their base marquee," said Col. John Shaw, 21st Space Wing commander. "Since we won, we will be known as "masters of softball" to all of Team Schriever...at least until next year."

This year's Space World Series was such a success that next year's game is already in the works, except this time it will be at Schriever AFB. Information will be announced when the game is scheduled.