In 2014, Full Count Softball posted over 1,200 articles and we continue our look back at what we feel were the Top 10 stories of the year, ones that had emotional impact, great human interest and drama or significance to the sport.

Today’s Article: A very special Firecrackers July 4th

Ranking: #7

First Published: July 4, 2014

What It’s About: The top stories of the year, as you may have noticed, have softball as the common denominator (of course), but tie in powerful life lessons that go way beyond just the play between the lines. Tony Rico, who runs the Firecrackers program, takes his own elite team to the Colorado Fireworks tournament every year during the Independence Day week and has established a tradition that helps his players appreciate the 4^th of July in a way that they will always remember–especially when it comes to appreciating those who have served in the military on the holiday celebrating the nation and its freedoms. Many years ago, Rico established a friendship eight years ago with a Colorado resident, Harry Runtzel, a veteran of WWII when the coach realized that his father and Runtzel served in the South Pacific at the same time. Each year when the Firecrackers participate in the Colorado Fireworks tournament, Runtzel meets with the Firecrackers and they renew a tradition where the veteran addresses the team and, in a poignant ceremony, places an empty chair before the team to represent all the fallen soldiers who didn’t return from battle.

Update: When the article was written six months ago, Harry Runtzel was 89 years old and you can be assured that, as long as his health is good enough, the former Army Sargent will take the opportunity to teach these young athletes about the sacrifices his fellow soldiers made so we all can enjoy the freedoms we do today.

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ORIGINAL STORY:

A very special Firecrackers July 4th

For a club team whose very name fits July 4^th perfectly, you’d think Independence Day would be about the fun and festivities of the holiday.

But the day set aside annually to celebrate “America’s birthday” is so much more than that for the Firecrackers team coached by Tony Rico and based in Southern California.

“Independence Day for a softball player means so much more than just parades and fireworks,” explains Kristina Inouye, a 2016 infielder and one of the stars on the team. “And it especially has a deeper meaning for myself and the other Firecracker girls.”

“For thousands of softball players across the nation, Independence Day represents all of the experiences and memories of our road trips to Colorado, TV games, and even river rafting and hiking at Red Rocks.”

For Kristina and the rest of the Firecrackers team, however, July 4 not only means competing in the Colorado Fireworks tournament, which they’ve done for more than a decade, but it also means renewing a friendship with a very special friend of the program.

“Although all these experiences are an important part of this holiday,” Kristina, who has committed to Cal, continues, “my team makes Independence Day an opportunity to appreciate the sacrifices that our military men and women give to protect this country.”

“For many years, we have been lucky enough to become good friends with Harry Runtzel, a veteran of WWII. He enjoys following us throughout the tournament, but the best part about being around Harry is that we get to hear his stories about what it was like being a soldier in the Philippines fighting the Japanese.”

The 89-year-old war veteran first met Tony Rico eight years ago when it was learned that the coach’s father and Runtzel both served in the South Pacific at the same time, in 1944-45.

Living in Colorado Springs, Rico thought it would be a good idea for Runtzel to speak to his team when they came to play at the Fireworks tournament. Now, it’s an annual activity that has become a highlight of the team’s journey to the Westminster event.

If you saw the televised game this week between the Firecrackers and Texas Glory on the CBS Sports Network, you may have seen the interview with the Minnesota native who, though soon to turn 90, is still quick-witted, energetic and as comfortable in front of the camera as he is speaking to a group of young players who soak in his every word.

“There were 240 of us in our battalion,” the former Sargent in the Army begins,” but only 158 of us made it back. I’m the only one from my outfit still alive. What I tell the girls is that, unlike the movies with actors like John Wayne, there’s no glory in war. It’s horrible and I hope these kids never have to see it.”

What sticks with the players is not just the pep talks, but how in times of adversity it’s important to take care of others and work as a unit.

“There were 240 of us in our battalion, but only 158 of us made it back. I’m the only one from my outfit still alive.”

“He experienced horrific things that many of us will never see in our lifetime,” says Inouye, “and this gives us inspiration to be strong on and off the field, deal with fear, and especially play with honor.”

“Play with Honor,” in fact, is the motto for Rico’s team and it resonates with Runtzel who says, “I love what Tony teaches to the girls, he teaches the same values that are in the military, which is honoring your fellow soldiers and working together as a team.”

One symbolic act the team does with the World War II veteran is to place an empty chair on the field to represent all of the fallen soldiers who did not return from war.

Moments like these, even more so than the wins on the softball field, are what stay with the Firecrackers’ coaches and players long after the week in Colorado is over.

“Because of these moments with Harry, Independence Day will always mean so much more than celebration,” Kristina concludes, “and although we love enjoying the festivities, we will always remember that these opportunities are because of the men and women that came before us.”