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San Francisco, CA -- In a now four-year tradition, the Academy of Art University Softball team joined members of the Marine Corps as well as the San Francisco and Alameda Police Departments in a tournament to kick off Fleet Week this past Friday.
Out at Moscone Fields, the Urban Knights started with the "Fastpitch Challenge," an opportunity for ART U's senior utility
Kamyle Glover to match up with the Marine Corps. Though several struggled to make contact or put the ball in play, they embraced the challenge. Academy of Art had much of its team in the field early on, but the Marines began to step in as replacements and eventually it was freshman
Ariel Ajimura's turn to face the hitters. With the SFPD at the plate, the Marines warmed up by making defensive plays.
"Every year it gets better," Glover said. "Being able to pitch to the Marines was an honor and I respect them for everything they have done for us. Even though I'm a senior this year, I will be out here next year for this wonderful event."
After the "Fastpitch Challenge," Cheryl Scoma of Scoma's, a staple seafood restaurant of San Francisco who provided lunch, threw out the honorary first pitch to open slowpitch games between the SFPD and Marines as well as the SFPD and Alameda Police. During both contests, ART U Softball cheered on the teams and mingled with the service members.
Amid the merriment, a guest appearance was even made by San Francisco Giants mascot Lou Seal."It was great to be able to get out there and show these servicemen and women a good time," junior catcher
Elise Oldham said. "They do so much for us every day, it's the least we can do for them. I'm blessed to have been part of this experience and can't wat until next year."
The event, which
originally started in 2010, continues to solidify a bond between the artist-athletes and military personnel that this year carried into support from the Marines at ART U's scrimmages in Hayward over the weekend.
"This was one of the best events I have ever been a part of," head coach Sonja Garnett said. "It was fun, pleasant, and great community service."
