The annual Armed Forces Celebration Community Softball Game is still days away, but the competition between local elected leaders and Redstone Arsenal officials is already heating up.
Both teams have released hype videos ahead of the June 10 matchup at Toyota Field, turning a friendly community event into an early-season war of words.
Representing the Community Leaders team, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle appeared in sunglasses and delivered a mock warning to Team Redstone.
“This is our year. You’re going down,” Battle declared before reminding his opponents that the community team is the defending champion.
“I can’t believe that you can’t win a trophy. It’s not easy winning every year and winning this trophy. Good luck to the other guys. We’re tired of having to lug this trophy around. We built this city… This is our year.”
Not to be outdone, Team Redstone also posted a social media video of its own featuring a pointed reminder that one of the Arsenal’s newest tenants may have a unique skill set.
“Just a heads-up, the FBI is on Team Redstone this year,” the post read. “Our intelligence suggests your outfield defense is … classified as ‘easy to hit.’”
The annual Community Softball Game is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, at Toyota Field in Madison and is part of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber’s Armed Forces Celebration.
While the event is intended to strengthen ties between military and civilian leaders across the region, organizers appear more than happy to allow a little friendly trash talking before the first pitch.
The game will feature Team Redstone taking on the North Alabama Rockets, a team made up of local elected officials and community leaders from across the region.
Admission and parking are free. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the game begins at 6 p.m.
The first 500 fans will receive free hot dogs, and concessions will be available throughout the evening.
Recent games have attracted more than 1,000 spectators, many of whom come as much for the playful rivalry as the softball itself.
One thing remains unclear heading into Wednesday’s showdown: whether superior intelligence gathering or superior trophy-carrying experience will prove to be the deciding advantage.
