MCB HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii -- Bruce Willis and cast from the upcoming film, "Hostile Rescue" took K-Bay by storm, literally, Sunday in what turned out to be a softball slug-fest at times in the driving rain.
Willis and fellow stars from the movie, currently being filmed here in Hawaii, took time out of their busy production schedule to visit Marines, Soldiers and Sailors and their families aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, to play some softball and to eat some fabulous chow provided courtesy of Planet Hollywood.
The skies opened-up as Willis arrived at the softball diamond early Sunday afternoon, and the games appeared in jeopardy.
After signing autographs and taking dozens of photos with star-struck service members and their families, Willis was the first to say "Let's play some ball ," when the rain let up.
The Hollywood A-list actor, co-stars, and servicemen and women, hit the soggy field.
Early action on the diamond was intense, and Willis set the tone, frequently sacrificing his body in the muck and mud for his team, which consisted of fellow actors, Soldiers and Sailors as they took on the host Marine team.
Former Marine Charles "Silk" Ingram served notice "Team Bruno" was serious about playing ball when he went deep over the center field fence in his first at bat.
Willis himself hit a "seeing-eye" single hard to the feet of the Marines' shortstop and beat the throw to first base.
Three more hits, scoring Willis, and the Marines realized they were in for a game.
The Marines would battle back in a classical Marine Corps counter-offensive and eventually seal the win, 10-8, but no one really paid attention to the score.
One of the world's most famous celebrities and his fellow actors had taken one of their few afternoons off and spent it with service members and their families, just playing ball, eating and having a good time.
One Marine who played on the team opposite Willis was Gunnery Sergeant Julian Wynn of 1st Radio Bn. who told how "we thought the game would be more of a cakewalk. We were surprised at how well they played."
He continued that "it wasn't your average neighborhood pick-up game either, these guys came to play."
After a short break consisting of chow, more autographs and pictures, Willis and team hit the field again for more softball action, leaving it all on the field.
The tournament was actually Bruce Willis' ideas as a way to show his appreciation to the military here in Hawaii for all they do and for their support in making his upcoming movie "Hostile Rescue."
We wanted to have fun, play some ball, and say thanks," said Willis in an understatement.
His visit left some emotionally exhausted after meeting their favorite star, some physically exhausted after playing some serious softball and some just plain full after eating the generous hamburgers, hotdogs and side dishes provided by Planet Hollywood.
After the final out, more autographs and photos, Willis and crew waved farewell and departed, having accomplished their mission.
They played some pretty good softball and spent a special afternoon with service members and their families a long way from home.