Coach of the Virginia Vipers Softball Club
AS TOLD TO MEGHAN MEIER
What was the origin of the Viper Softball Club?
I got stationed at the Pentagon in 1997. I was a captain in the Army, and my troops could not afford to play the local league. So we were playing on the bases where it was free. Fast forward to 2011, we had so many teams and so many military persons, spouses of veterans, active duty military and reservists. We went to an attorney in Washington, D.C., and became a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
What positions have you played for the club?
I am the chairman for the organization. I pitched for a long time. I was hurt after the war, so I did not play a whole lot. But I played first base [and] pitched.
What draws these players in personally to play every year?
The common denominator amongst many of the players, not all, is military … secondly they want to play because everything is free.
QUICK HITS
Neighborhood: Fairfax
Accomplishments witnessed for the Vipers Softball Club: In 2014 our team was one of two teams ever elected into the Fairfax Adult Softball Hall of Fame. Our plaque is hanging on the Hall of Fame wall in Braddock Park.
Favorite baseball team: Yankees
Favorite sports movie: Pride of the Yankees
Favorite playing position: First base
Main rival for your team: Bank of America [Since the Vipers Softball club has up to six teams, Bank of America is just one rival they face.]
