FORT CARSON, Colo. --
The Falcons Baseball team met with Fort Carson soldiers and retired Major League baseball champion David Eckstein March 5 before beating the University of Nevada Wolf Pack 18-4.
The meeting was part of the Cadet-Athlete-Soldier Training and Leadership Exchange program, or CASTLE, between the 1st Stryker Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, and the Academy. The program allows soldiers to share their leadership perspective with cadets and learn about the Academy’s athletic programs.
Eckstein, a two-time World Series Champion, said leadership skills are invaluable.
“Whether it is the field of dreams or field of battle, it is leadership that counts,” he said. “Never waiver from that which is right, true and just; and your team will follow your lead.”
Lt. Col. Terry Tillis, the commander of 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 1st SBCT, 4th Inf. Div., said leadership isn’t just about how well a military unit performs -- it’s also about gaining respect and overcoming challenges.
“When you first enter the [military] as young lieutenants, you carry the added burden of being a leader athlete, and the men and women in your formation will hold you to a higher standard. Now is the time as a cadet to set your bar high and aim for it.”
Falcons catcher Gabriel Martinez, said the CASTLE visit was a valuable experience.
“Meeting with these soldiers, and of course Dave Eckstein, means a lot to me as they have a wealth of experience and knowledge, and I especially liked hearing about how they recovered from a bad decision and still led and learned from it. It gives me confidence,” he said.