MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- What do you get when you combine the best softball players in the Tri-Command area into one lean, mean, fightin' machine? The answer is Team Beaufort, a varsity softball team comprised of Marines and sailors from MCRD Parris Island, MCAS Beaufort and Naval Hospital Beaufort. The team is scheduled to head to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., to compete against other Marine and Navy teams in the East Coast Regional Softball Championship, taking place Aug. 28 - Sept. 1.
"We're going out there to represent the Tri-Command," said Team Beaufort coach and first baseman Edwin Hidalgo. "We're going out there to win the gold."
Tryouts for the team were held aboard the Depot June 2-3 and on the air station June 9-10.
"We're looking for all-around athletes and high-caliber players," said Hidalgo.
Team Beaufort is also in the Beaufort County Softball Recreational League and has plans to play at least two tournaments a month. The seasoned team will use the league tournament games as extra training for the larger tournament at MCAS Cherry Point, said Hidalgo.
"We get practice at the tournaments," Hidalgo added. " The tournaments are a good way to see how well [the players] play together."
According to the coach, the local games also boost player morale and camaraderie.
"We are also out there [at the games] representing the Marine Corps," said Hidalgo. "We stand out and the civilians know we are military. They come up after the games and say 'thank you' for what we do. It's good for morale."
Each team is allowed to take 16 players to the regional tournament, where scouts for the All-Marine softball team will be looking for this year's All-Marine team.
Hidalgo has high expectations for his team.
"We've got three to seven players that could easily make the All-Marine team," he added.
The trip to Cherry Point is temporary assignment duty for the Marines chosen to represent Parris Island and Fightertown.
"It's not a bad deal," said Hidalgo. "You get to play softball, and the Marine Corps pays for everything."
Even though tryouts are over and the team can only take 16 players to Cherry Point, Hidalgo said there is still space on Team Beaufort for the local league games.
"There is still an opportunity to come out and play," said Hidalgo. "The final team for the regional tournament will be selected by August 1."
However, if there are enough players, there is a possibility of forming two teams and submitting them both for the tournament, said Hidalgo.
For more information on Team Beaufort, call Staff Sgt. Edwin Hidalgo at 228-7971.