USAFE plays ball

Royal Air Force Lakenheath teammates participate in a softball game against Ramstein Air Base during the 3rd Annual U.S. Air Forces in Europe Softball Tournament held here, June 15, 2014. Ramstein Air Base placed first in the tournament over RAF Lakenheath with a score of 21-20 in the final game. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Erin O’Shea/Released)

USAFE plays ball

Sante McCleave pitches a softball during the 3rd Annual U.S. Air Forces in Europe Softball Tournament held at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 15, 2014. Ramstein Air Base defeated RAF Lakenheath with a final score of 21-20. McCleave is the superintendent of knowledge operations assigned to the 48th Communications Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Erin O’Shea/Released)

USAFE plays ball

Brian Lee, right, dives for second base during the 3rd Annual U.S. Air Forces in Europe Softball Tournament held at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 15, 2014. Lee is a supply craftsman assigned to the 352nd Special Operations Maintenance Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Erin O’Shea/Released)

USAFE plays ball

Royal Air Force Lakenheath teammates observe the field during a softball game against Spangdahlem Air Base during the 3rd Annual U.S. Air Forces in Europe Softball Tournament held at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 15, 2014. Once a year, USAFE bases alternate hosting the tournament supporting 10-14 softball teams from around Europe spanning over the course of a weekend. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Erin O’Shea/Released)

USAFE plays ball

Published June 18, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Erin O'Shea
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Even though the sun didn't make a full appearance, the 3rd Annual U.S. Air Forces in Europe Softball Tournament was in full swing here June 14-15.

This year, eight teams from around Europe competed over the course of the weekend for the number one title. Each year, USAFE bases alternate hosting the tournament.

Over the course of this tournament, RAF Lakenheath's softball team put their best cleat forward, competing against seven other teams. According to Christopher Bast, 48th Maintenance Group quality assurance inspector and team coach, the team's skill level tends to progress after each season.

"This year, the overall team chemistry has gone really well and I would say we have done a lot better this year," Bast said.

Bast speaks from experience as this was his third year coaching the RAF Lakenheath softball team.

"We have had one 3rd place and one 2nd place (finish)" said Bast.

As the tournament came to an end, and the sweat was wiped from the players faces, Ramstein Air Base was awarded the first place title, followed by RAF Lakenheath in second and Spangdahlem AB finishing in third.