You don t stop playing because you grow old; you grow old because you stop playing!

Transcription

1 You don t stop playing because you grow old; you grow old because you stop playing! The BATTER UP Newsletter is published for the Sun Cities Senior Dennis Farrar Senior Editor Softball, and is made possible through the generosity of our sponsors. editor@myselfonline.us January 2013 WHO S ON DECK? SUN CITIES NATIONAL LEAGUE WELCOMES BECKY & TERRY CORNETT BECKY & TERRY CORNETT ~ Photos by Dennis Farrar ~ Dennis Farrar ~ ecky was born in Dodge City, Kansas and spent time growing up in Minneola, Kansas. She played basketball, softball, volleyball & tennis through high school. Becky graduated from University of Oklahoma School of Nursing and served several years as an Army Nurse. She met her husband, Terry at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. They have been married 38 years. They have three children, a daughter Misty, employed by Medtronic in Memphis, Tennessee, son, Aaron, a Major in the US Army stationed at Ft. Carson, Colorado and another son Micah, living in Shawnee, Kansas working as an accountant for Constantinos. They have four grandchildren, Milli (14), Austin, (6), Teghan (18 months) & Easton (14 months). Becky retired from Public Health Nursing the end of March 2012 after 30 years of service with the Department of the Army. Becky has taken up golf and enjoys counted cross-stitch. Terry was born in Groom, Texas. He played football & baseball in high school. He attended West Texas State University on a baseball scholarship. Terry served as an Air Defense Officer in the United States Army for 22 years. After retiring from the Army, Terry taught 8th Grade science at Lansing Middle School for 18 years. Terry retired from teaching two years ago and has played golf every day since. Terry also enjoys traveling and spending outdoor time with his grandchildren. Becky & Terry currently are playing for the Brenda s Kitchen Team that is managed by Joe Emmons. But, most of all they both are looking forward to being snowbirds in Sun City West and are enjoying all the activities the community has to offer. INSIDE THIS ISSUE American League Committee... p 3 Angels In The Outfield.. p 5 & 9 Annual Club Dues Are Due... p 1 As I See It p 7 Calendar of Events p 2 Christmas Party Wrap p 6 Food Bank. p 7 Haddy Breaks a Crown.... p 6 Hall of Fame News. p 6 Hall of Fame Nomination Form.... p 10 Meet Our Sponsors.... p 8 National League Committee News.. p 5 Ray Takes a Walk p 3 Ray The Super p 8 Spring Fling Tournament Report.. p 2 Sun City West Board p 3 Tin Cup Tournament. p 2 Umpire Clicker. p 4 Veteran s Day Games p 8 Who s On Deck... p 1 Women s League p 6 B Editor s Note: Please join me and welcome Becky & husband Terry to our community, and softball family, and thank you both for sharing a part of your lifes with all of us. ~ Dennis Farrar FINAL REMINDER 2013 DUES ARE DUE BY JANUARY S END ~ Dennis Farrar ~ Just a last reminder If you haven t paid your Annual Softball dues of $25.00, they will be delinquent after January 31. Any dues received after January 31 may be subject to a $10.00 assessment fee. Sun City Club should make checks payable to Sun City Senior Softball Club and give your check to one of the Board Members. Sun City West Club should make check payable to Sun City West Softball Club and give your check to one of the Board Members.

2 CALENDAR OF EVENTS ( PLEASE NOTE SOME OF THE DATES MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE ) February 2, 2013 (Saturday) Bill Bromley Memorial Cardiac Kids Tournament Liberty Field Sun City West Contact Ken Skinner at (623) or Ken at ken@azsrsoftball.com for more information. Only players who have had a cardiac event are eligible to play. This event is open to both the National and American National League Players. So sign up early. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ February 28 & March 2, 2013 (Thu. - Sat.) Spring Fling Tournament Liberty Field Sun City West ~ NATIONAL LEAGUE: (February 28 & March 1) Contact Bob Williams at (623) or Bob at kwill30680@cox.net for more information. ~ AMERICAN LEAGUE: (March 2) Contact Ray Early at (623) or Ray at raymondearly@msn.com for more information. Be sure to check the bulletin boards and future newsletters for game times. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ March 9-10, 2013 (Saturday & Sunday) All States Tournament Liberty Field Sun City West This is our Annual All States Tournament For more information contact Chuck Davelis (623) or Chuck at: ckavelis@aol.com. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ April 7, 2013 (Sunday) Tin Cup Golf Tournament Deer Valley & Grandview Golf Courses Sun City West This is our Annual Golf Tournament For more information contact Nancy Dobbins (623) or Nancy at: nldobbs@msn.com. Editor s Note: Every effort has been made to include upcoming events on this calendar. Please check the web calendar as it may be updated more frequently. Thank you. NATIONAL LEAGUE ANNUAL SPRING FLING TOURNAMENT ~ Bob Williams, NL Coordinator ~ The National League Spring Fling is an eight team double elimination tournament, which will be held at Liberty Field February 28 and March 1. This is not a fund raiser, but a FUN raiser just for the players in a carnival atmosphere. The "Fling" gives a taste of tournament play that a lot of our players don't normally experience. Current National League rules will apply. All National League players are encouraged to sign up. Don't sign up unless you are available both days of the tournament. You may sign up on line or on the signup sheets located in the Club House at Liberty Field. Signups will be closed when we reach 96 players. Managers selected will have a player draft to create the eight tournament teams. Team shirts will be provided. The first place team will receive special Spring Fling championship T-shirts and then second, third and fourth place teams get token awards. Team pictures will also be taken of the top four teams. Hot dogs and soft drinks will be provided both days. We will be looking for volunteers for set up, cooking and clean up. If you have questions, please contact Bob Williams at or you can send him an at kwill30680@cox.net. Mark your calendar now so you can be part of the fun! TIN CUP GOLF TOURNAMENT ~ Nancy Dobbins ~ The Tin Cup is scheduled for Sunday, April 7 th at Deer Valley and Grandview Golf Courses. Look for the registration forms sometime in the middle of January. Page 2 of 10

3 RAY TAKES A WALK ~ Ray Early, Retiring Liberty Field Manager ~ My decision to resign as Field Manager at Liberty Field was a difficult decision for me to make. The decision was made difficult by the fact that I enjoyed meeting and working with so many terrific people. People who volunteered their time and effort to help make Liberty Field the place to be on game day. I want to take this opportunity to personally thank all of you who volunteered at the field. I also want to express my appreciation to those who worked with me in regards to field availability. By working together as effectively as we did, we were able to avoid conflicts and confusion. I want to also thank the Sun City West Softball Board members for working with me and to Dick LeMoine for having the confidence in me by asking me to perform this function and for giving me the opportunity to manage as I saw fit. And finally, many thanks to club members like you for helping make Liberty Field the place to be on game day, a place where friendships are made, a place where EVERYONE is invited to come early - stay late. Editor s Note: Thank you Ray for all the hours of service. We will all certainly miss you, and we hope we will see you at the ballpark from time to time. Best wishes and enjoy. SUN CITY WEST BOARD ~ Bob Dobbins, President ~ As the incoming President of the Sun City West Softball Club I would like to take this opportunity to thank the out-going members of the board for their fine work while in office. Out-going members are Dick LeMoine, President, Tim Harmon, board member, and Jack Harrison, board member. Unless you have served on the board, you can t imagine the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes and at the monthly meetings. When you see these people please give them a big thank you. I would also like to introduce you to the new incoming members of the 2013 board: Bob Dobbins, President, John McFarland, treasurer, and Ron Eppley, board member. The 2013 Sun City West Board of Directors are: President Bob Dobbins Vice President Chuck Davelis Secretary Dave McCart Treasurer John McFarland Board members: Ron Eppley Frank Welch Art Roque I am looking forward to working with past and present board members to accomplish many task before this board. My goal is to get everyone working for the best interest of the club. AMERICAN LEAGUE COMMITTEE ~ Bob Dobbins, Chairman ~ The American League Committee is hard at work evaluating new players and preparing for the Spring 2013 draft. The manager s meeting is Wednesday January 2, 2013 followed by the draft on January 9, We are expecting 13 teams for the spring session. I would like to thank all the managers who managed in the Fall 2012 session. If it were not for these people volunteering their time our program would not be as successful as it is. The Fall 2012 session will end on Thursday January 17, The Spring 2013 session will start on Tuesday January 22, 2013 and end on Thursday April 11, Please remember, if you are at the ballpark and you see a new person observing our games, go up to them and ask if they are interested in playing. If they are, refer them to someone who can give them more information. Thank you! ~ American League Committee Page 3 of 10

4 UMPIRES CORNER ~ Ken Skinner, League Chief Umpire ~ Time Out! Calling time out when the ball is back into the infield. When in the judgment of an umpire, all immediate play is apparently completed, the umpire should call time. Note: When the ball is back into the infield an umpire should take a quick look if there are runners on base to see if the runners in attempting to advance or is just standing on the base. If there is no immediate play then the umpire should call time. Overthrows: Runners are always awarded two bases on overthrows, which go out of play or become blocked as a result of hitting loose equipment belonging to or a team member of the defensive team that does not belong on the field. Regardless of who made the throw, two bases are awarded from the last base touched at the time the ball left the hand. Direction of runners has no bearing on the award. When an overthrow is made on a runner returning to a base, the runner is awarded two bases from that base. Game Control: A common item for discussion among umpires is game management. The discussion centers around ways umpires can achieve a game without issues. Sometimes the discussion leaves out an important detail Game Control. Game Control can be described as taking charge of an unusual situation before the situation results in chaos. A good tool for game control and game management is often referred to as preventive umpiring. In fact, if umpires use preventive umpiring techniques then game control and game management would become easier. Therefore, good Game Control leads to good Game Management. Umpires should not use the term game control as a tool for an umpire to be involved every situation occurring on the ball field. Game control should seldom, if never, be noticed: Example, if we have a batter-runner who starts to run to 1B thinking ball four has been awarded; the umpire should call time and bring the batter back to the plate. The same holds true with runners on 1B and 2B and the batter takes off for 1B thinking it is ball four causing runners to advance. To eliminate confusion for both the offense and the defense, the umpire should call time. An umpire with good game control who gives a loud time can prevent the chaos before it gets a chance to start. We get input from umpires around the country as to what game control should be. One idea comes from one of our best Men s Fast Pitch umpires, Jack Floyd. Jack says Respect for the game and how it is played contributes to how well an umpire manages and controls a game. Respect for the game and how it is supposed to be played starts by being a student of the game and it lends itself to the umpire s ability to control a game that might otherwise get out of control. It is important for umpires not to interject themselves personally into the game. Success in game control is handling every situation without anyone knowing you were there. Developing these skills gives everyone a sense of consistency and fairness in how the game was managed. Another important part of Game Control is credibility and integrity. These attributes are earned by an umpire every game. Teams, coaches, fans and even fellow umpires will see an umpire who can command and demonstrate their knowledge of the game as having credibility. Integrity comes from consistency; consistency in your calls as well as consistency in your approach to situations on the field. Teams and coaches learn quickly what umpires will or will not accept in the game you are working. Confidence is also a vital part of umpiring that an umpire will not find in the rule book. This confidence gained thru rule knowledge, observations of other umpires, clinics, camps and on-field training will allow the umpire to deal with situations that do not normally occur. The umpire must grasp the idea that if they cannot control themselves, then they cannot control the situation. They must remain in control to create control. If the umpire looses control of themselves then they may just as well walk off the field as they have lost their ability to control the game. As you can see knowing when to step up and control a situation is not always easy. Learning how and when to control a game comes as a result of hard work honing one s skills as an umpire. The umpire should realize that they are only as good as their last game, and they should never be satisfied with their past performance on the field. It is impossible for anyone to describe all the situations in which an umpire can use good game control techniques. However, an umpire that realizes that the game is for the players and if they do not play we do not get to umpire. We, the umpires, are there to insure that the game is played fairly under the ASA rules. If we see something unusual developing, we should read the situation, and, if an umpire needs to take control before chaos begins, do so. You will be a better umpire for it. Page 4 of 10

5 NATIONAL LEAGUE COMMITTEE ~ Joe Emmons ~ The table below lists new National League players for the fall session as of The session will continue until Five games remain in the session, followed by the Desert Classic tournament the final two weeks ending the session on The table includes columns that indicate the disposition of each individual as they passed through the Green Team before and during the session. The contribution of the new players to the NL rosters has been instrumental in continuing to field 18 teams, while replacing nine (15) drafted players who have been unable to finish the session. The new players were also supplemented with four (4) players returning from medical impairment. There are still 10 teams who are waiting for their 11th player in the original draft order. Fortunately, the idle 6 teams have proved to be sufficient to meet the substitution demands of the teams. We thank the idle team players who support the play of other teams. Date Name Draft Replace Fill 9-3 James Sanders X 9-10 Dick Percora X 10-1 Jim Smith X Ron Groff X Norm Schnabel X Jesse Nelson X 11-5 Skip Chase X 11-5 Randy Settje X Terry Cornett X Becky Cornett X Ron Brossard X Gary Folts X Ted Johnson X Robert Bergstresser X Mike Fitzgerald X 12-3 Doug Nelson X 12-3 Darlene Suelmann Sub List Bob Kuest X Daniel Burke X Jim Porter X Editor s Note: Please join me and welcome the all new players to our league when you see them. And remember, enjoy the game but be safe. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL! ANGELS FLYING HIGH! 2012 TOY DRIVE RESULTS ~ Kay Williams, Chairperson ~ You hit a Grand Slam this year! Thanks to your amazing generosity we had the most successful toy drive ever!!! It was my pleasure to coordinate the drive again this year. I would like to give you a brief history of how our toy drive has grown since bags of toys, $250 cash bags of toys, $193 cash bags of toys, 2 bicycles, $300 cash bags of toys, 2 bicycles, $300 cash bags of toys, 2 bicycles, $900 cash bags of toys, 3 bicycles, $1,331 cash!!! The cash was used to buy children's jackets, warmup suits, sweatshirts and pants that are distributed to needy children in 5 of the poorest elementary schools in Maricopa County. I went to Fry's, Basha's and Albertson's and bought 40 $25 grocery store gift cards ($1,000) for needy families. Your generosity will put smiles on many children's faces in the west valley this holiday and food on a lot of tables who weren't sure where their next meal would come from. This year's donations were distributed to children and families served by Dysart Community Center, Maricopa Integrated Health Systems, Nadaburg School, Wittmann Community Center, and a veteran's group that provides assistance to the families of deployed service men and women and the VFW. My sincere thanks and appreciation to the following Angels who worked at the toy drive December 4 and 6 at Liberty field and helped set out all the toys at the Women's Club Thursday afternoon: Carol Davelis, Pam Willie, Carol Rigsby, Joyce Kuhn, Judy Raczak, Ann Mitchell, Sherrie Marchetti, Jan Peterson, Pam Asan, Ruth Renberg, Gladys Harrison, Linda Swanson, Elaine Boldt, Karen Downes, Dottie Colli, Sylvia Johnson, Lorraine Frey, Eileen Myers, Ginger Welch, Bev Sandberg, Sheila Cooke, Sharon McAndrews, Carol Ottum and Sally Wicketts. Thanks to all our players, spouses and fans for opening your wallets and your hearts, once again demonstrating the generous spirit of Sun Cities softball players! YOU ARE"FAN-NOMENAL"! Page 5 of 10

6 HADDY BREAKS A CROWN ~ Ron Eppley ~ The DENTIST billboard sign in left center field was hit with a fly ball from home plate in November. This was the first time this billboard was hit this year. Wayne Haddy who plays on the Canyon State team in the National League was the person that hit the billboard. At a small ceremony at Liberty Field on Thursday December 13th, Mr. Mike Saini from AZ Smiles Dentistry presented Mr. Wayne Haddy with a $50.00 check. Congratulations Wayne! HALL OF FAME ~ Linda Graham ~ Hall of Fame Nominations are Due January 20th Do you know a fellow club member who deserves to be in the Sun Cities Softball Hall of Fame? The club member must have been in the league for 7 full years (member since 2005 or before) and made contributions to the league above and beyond. This service might include such things as serving on boards or committees, managing, running special events, or making other significant differences for the league. Even if you think someone else has probably already nominated a member, your additional input is welcome. Please fill out a nomination form (included in this newsletter) and return it to Linda Graham or place in the Liberty Field mailbox by Jan. 20, FIRST ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY WRAP-UP ~ Nancy Dobbins ~ It was damp and rainy, but that did not stop the 107 club members and their spouses or significant others from attending out first annual Christmas Party. The evening started with a cocktail hour followed by a delicious dinner of either chicken marsala or prime rib. The 8 Tracks Band played music quietly in the background during dinner. The dancers in the group were so anxious to get on the dance floor that they didn t even wait until dessert was served. We danced to the 50 s and 60 s music for three hours. What a blast! A special thank you goes out to Drew and Aaron from Pinnacle Financial Services. Their donation enabled us to go out and buy many door prizes. These prizes were given out throughout the evening. A thank you also goes out to Kay Williams. She assisted me in planning the party. I want to thank Carol Bowden as well for her willingness to choose and pick up the wine that was given out as door prizes. Good food, good music, and most of all good friends, I can t think of a better way to celebrate the holidays. Thank you all so very much for making this an evening to remember. WOMEN S LEAGUE Hot Flashes ~ Carol Bowden ~ The women's team plays the first 2 Saturdays of each month + a few extra games against interesting opponents. We have defeated Sun City Grand and the Sassy Sisters from Surprise. Our only loss in the early part of this season was to Ozzie (Ostrow) & the "Half-Pints." We continue to strive to be better, practice with renewed energy and encourage each other. The team managers, Judy White and Bev Burger, are constantly working on our skills. We are appreciative of our sponsors, Arvid and Kay Peterson, and all the support we get from our loyal fans. Our games start at 10 a.m. on Liberty Field. Look on the web page for updates. Page 6 of 10

7 AS I SEE IT! ~ Dennis Farrar ~ Well, another year has gone and a new one is coming on. Time seems to just be flying by with so much softball to be played. I hope that you are ready for another one and tax day is just around the corner. I would like to thank Ken Skinner for his Umpire s Corner article this month. It s been awhile since he has put anything in the newsletter and I hope that all of you read his worthwhile contribution. I hope that Ken will get an umpire s clinic going soon and that all of you will attend. I ve been to many of this clinic already and like going to them. I always come away with more knowledge about the game. They are usually on a Saturday. When you see Ken ask him about this and I know you will enjoy them and you will come away with a more respect and love of the game. I know that we have the rule book but I believe that Ken s clinics are the icing on the cake and they are FREE. Looking at the statistics it is apparent that we are getting more and more new players in our program. How many more players will be able to absorb in the National League before some substantial changes have to be made? The AL & NL are way out of balance. Some of you already know my thoughts on this one so I won t elaborate as there is not enough space in this newsletter to go into the details. More and more baby-boomers are getting involved in our softball league and I m sure that the club boards will have to address this issue before long. No New Year s resolutions for me this year because as I age I m getting more and more forgetful and can t remember what they are. I m guessing if you make one, you will probably forget too. Congratulations to all the newly elected officers for the association and clubs. I hope that all of you will get out and support them and voice your concerns and wishes to help make our softball program a better and moreover a SAFER place to play. Welcome to all the new players. I hope you have had a chance to check out the videos on the web site. Just go to the website at or go to the link directly at and give a look. If you have something you think would be of interest to the clubs and would like to have me shoot it; let me know and I will try to accommodate your wishes. This is an excellent tool to give those of us who can t make an event to watch it on video. I believe we all should strive to make our web site better and interesting. Finally, my wife Terese and I would like to wish you and your families a safe and prosperous Happy New Year and we look forward to seeing you behind the plate. That s how I see it! Have a good game and get home safe. Editor FOOD BANK ~ Carol Bowden & Julie McGlynn ~ The food bank donations are moving along at a snail's pace, but are steady. We have not attained 100 pounds yet. There was an article in the AZ Republic dated Nov. 24 and titled "West Valley gives most generously." Someone has tracked which zip codes top the donations lists. In the west valley, Sun City West (85376, 85375) and Sun City (85351) ranked 1, 2 and 3! In all of the valley, #1 was Sun City West (85376), #7 was Sun City West (85375) and Sun City (85351) was #9. With all the senior citizens in these 3 zip codes, many on fixed incomes, I am not surprised to find the need to share! We have always taken care of each other and responded to the need of others. We are an amazing group of friends, acquaintances and strangers who feel the need to offer assistance, no matter the situation. Bless all of you for your good deeds! A pat on the back is not given often enough. In January, we will be collecting cereals and breakfast items. Give what you can, give as often as you can and thank you for everything! Page 7 of 10

8 THANK YOU SPONSORS WE SUPPORT YOU! A-Z Dentures AZ Center for Cancer Care AZ Smiles Dentistry Arvid & Kay Peterson Realtors Bell Ford Bell Lexus Brenda s Kitchen Camino Del Sol (Funeral Chapel) Camino Eye Care Canyon State Air Caufield Law Cool Touch Cranstoun Court Jewelers Daily News Sun Denny s TV Desert Golf Carts Desert Rose Concrete Coating Edward Jones Fast Signs Farrar Chiropractic & Acupuncture Golden Eagle Dist (Budweiser) Gonstead Chiropractic Grandview Terrace Ken Meade Realty Larry Ott Realty Liberty Buick Lund Cadillac Northern Trust Mary Inman Realtor Paul Tone Farmer s Ins Pinnacle Financial Service Pruitt s Furniture Reategui Law Firm Rosie s Italian Café Town Cryers Van s Pro Shop (Golf) Vital Care VW of Peoria RAY THE SUPER ~ Hugh Kelley ~ The voice was rich and clear Coming from the booth above. Welcome to Liberty Field The words we ve grown to love. We called him Superintendent Although he got no pay We knew who made it happen The man we all call Ray. He saw to every detail His starting early morn Like game day having coffee And later on the popcorn. He got the banners hung And the bunting on the wall By opening day he d have Miss Liberty standing tall. No task was left undone Since the job was filled by Ray Our heartfelt thanks and gratitude Is the least that we can say. His passion for the job Were in words he d always state On game day at the field COME EARLY AND STAY LATE. THIRD ANNUAL VETERNAN S DAY GAMES ~ Julie McGlynn ~ Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 9, 2013 for the Third Annual Veteran s Day Games in Sun City. Once again there will be games, food, fun and shared stories. Sign-ups will begin in the next couple of months. Page 8 of 10

9 2012 ANGEL S TOY DRIVE UP CLOSE & PERSONAL American League mystery Santa delivered 2 new bikes again this year as Kay delivers them to the Women s Club Carol Ottum, Sheila Cooke, Bev Sandberg, Marlene Sullivan (President of the Women s Club) and Sharon McAndrews helped set out all the toys in the Women s Club. Jack and Gladys Harrison and Linda Swanson kick off the National League drive on Thursday. Pam Willie provides curb side, drive up service Head Angel checks to make sure the Women s Club is ready for Santa on Friday Santa s Elves, Jan Peterson, Judy Raczak and Ann Mitchell Page 9 of 10

10 Hall of Fame Selection Do you know of a softball player who is or has worked to make our softball program in Sun City and Sun City West better? If you do, please submit a nomination form available from your team manager or in the club house of Sun City or Sun City West. The process has been simplified for your convenience. 1. Get a nominating form from your team manager or at the club house. You can also use the form in the Newsletter. 2. Name the person you would like to nominate. 3. Sign and date the form. (No co-sign required) 4. Put the form in an envelope, drop in the box at Liberty Field (by the west bleachers). 5. A review panel will do the rest When we receive your nomination, you will be notified that your selection has been recorded. Please get involved, this could be your way of saying Thank You to a deserving person. Please return to Linda Graham by January 20th, 2013 ~ Forms may also be placed in the mailbox at Liberty Field. I would like to nominate: HALL OF FAME Nomination Form Comments: Submitted by: Date Page 10 of 10