Your 2007 Hall of Fame Inductees

Transcription

1 "You don't stop playing because you grow old; you grow old because you stop playing!" September 2007 Your 2007 Hall of Fame Inductees EARL BELL JOHN DOHERTY DICK LEMOINE PAUL TURLEY EARL BELL The BATTER UP Newsletter is published for the Sun Cities Senior Softball League, and is made possible through our sponsors. Dennis Farrar Editor While serving as president of the Sun City softball league, an attempt was made to separate our two communities from playing our games together. In negotiation with our recreation centers, Earl ably provided the leadership necessary to keep our league status as it had been for the preceding 20 years with old friendships still in tact. This probably would not have happened without his professional diplomacy in representing our Sun City West Softball Club. Read more pg. 3. JOHN DOHERTY For seven years, while serving as the editor of our softball newsletter, John rarely missed any of the Sun City West, Sun City or League meetings. His newsletters provided accurate and timely information to all the softball players. Although not a board member, his contributions were so welcomed and valuable because of the information he gleaned from each meeting. This brought continuity to our softball program. As if that were not enough, John researched and interviewed many players so the history of our softball league could be documented with accuracy for all to enjoy. Read more pg. 3. DICK LEMOINE lines. Read more pg. 3. Beginning his senior softball career in Sun Cities in 1996, Dick immediately caught the eyes of many with the power he exhibited with his bat, but almost as quickly the organizational skills and his ability to accomplish projects that were only a dream for most of us defined the real Dick Lemoine. Some of the projects he is responsible for are Angels in the Outfield, the Sun City West Clubhouse, billboards to finance the clubhouse, new foul poles, and new foul Two things that Paul enjoys are our softball and working with his computer. His enjoyment of softball has given him the opportunity to give back like doing these design work that is softball related. His fingerprints are all over our Sun City West PAUL TURLEY complex. Billboard signs on the outfield fence were designed by Paul and sponsors saving both thousands of dollars. Professional brochures for prospective advertisers are his work. Read more pg. 3 INSIDE THIS ISSUE 2007 Hall of Fame Inductees... p 1 & 3 As I See It... p 9 Calendar of Events p 4 Fields Over-seeding Schedule p 4 Hall of Fame Nomination Form p 11 In Memoriam to Tom Aloi p 2 Let s Play Ball!?... p 3 Pancake Breakfast In The Park p 2 Softball Club Elections.. p 2 Sponsors... p 10 Summer Softball Wrap-Up (AL) p 6 Summer Softball Wrap-Up (NL) p 5 Sun City West General Meeting Notice.. p 9 Think About It.. p 7 Umpires Corner... p 3 Web Site On Line p 7 Welcome Back League President. p 4 Welcome Back SC Board Interim President.. p 6 Welcome Back SCW Board President. p 7 Welcome New Players... p 5 Where Are You Looking?... p 9 Women s Invitational Softball Tournament. p 7 Word Search... p 8 Word Search Solution p 9

2 T om Aloi, a member of the softball club since 1996, passed away on August 6, 2007 with family by his side. He had fought a valiant battle against cancer for most of this past year. He and his wife Dolores moved from Sun City West to the San Diego area this last spring to be near the kids and grandkids. Tom was known as the Iron Man by some of his softball buddies and would go anywhere to play a game of ball. He often traveled to tournaments across the country and was even recruited by California teams to play. When first joining the league, he was known as a "manager's manager" because he was always willing to take on that task. Nothing would light up Tom s eyes more than talking about his kids and grandkids. Anytime they were here to visit, they would be at the field to cheer Tom on. Tom will surely be a void to our softball league, and will be greatly missed. Sympathy cards can be sent to: Mrs. Thomas Aloi 8975 Lawrence Welk Drive, #168 Escondido, CA nd ANNUAL PANCAKE BREAKFAST IN THE PARK sponsored by Sun City West Softball Club Saturday November 10, 2007 Beardsley Park Sun City West, AZ Serving starts at 9:00am All you can eat for only $3. 00 per person Come join the fun, camaraderie and and take the cook in your house out for a great breakfast. For more information contact: Bruce Brady - (623) or draco@primenet.com Thank You for your support!. SOFTBALL CLUB ELECTIONS Dennis Farrar Just a note to let you know that the Sun City & Sun City West Softball Club Boards will be having their elections in the next couple of months. If you are interested in running for your respective board and serving the next two years please let someone on the current board know. You can also check the website or the next newsletter (November) for details as they become available. Don t miss this opportunity to serve your board. We need you! Page 2 of 11

3 Hall of Fame Inductees - cont d Earl Bell cont d. As a member of the Sun City West Softball Board, Earl served as the field maintenance manager helping to bring the field to the standards we enjoy today and later as the safety director, making sure the condition of our entire facility, field in all of our equipment provided a safe environment for all of our players. Earl has always been willing to help in any way he could for the betterment of the league. In his quiet and reserved manner, he also served as team manager in the National League for a number of times, giving new player s encouragement in their play. John Doherty cont d. He continues to update our history and that can be found on our softball web site. So that our players are not forgotten, John has recently assumed the responsibility of maintaining a record of deceased players. This list goes back to the early years of our softball league. His monthly articles in the Sun City West recreation news get the attention of prospective new players more effectively than any other means of getting new players into our softball program. Dick Lemoine cont d. Also, batting mats, new scoreboard, first-base warm-up area, Liberty Field sign on the scoreboard, the big cement yellow softball, Ramada picnic area soon to be built and a new flagpole in the future. While working on these projects Dick has found time to be club president, club treasurer, an American League representative, player placement member, team manager, field maintenance manager in purchasing agent for equipment, uniforms and supplies. One of his most ambitious projects is the Tin Cup Invitational Golf Tournament which has raised huge amounts of money that flows into the softball coffers. With his vision and a desire to always improve our softball program; his achievements have given us the opportunity to take our softball program to another level. Paul Turley cont d. The weather vane on top of the clubhouse is his design. Most of the T-shirts and many of our uniforms we wear were designed by Paul. The Ramada/picnic area, soon to be built near the third-base dugout, has been a project very close to his heart. Even with all the countless hours he has given back he still finds time to play the game of softball. For a number of years he played in the American League and with the Sidewinder 70 s traveling tournament team. More recently, he has been in the National League but to watch him hit it appears he could still play at any level. For all of his contributions, he seeks no recognition or compensation but deserves so much. LET S PLAY BALL Rich McAndrews ATTENTION ALL NATIONAL LEAGUE PLAYERS Check the bulletin boards to see if your name is on the list to play ball starting on Oct 23, If not, Contact one of the National League Committee members by Oct 2, 2006 if you are in town to start play on Oct 23, Rich McAndrews Glen Carroll Bill Nyblade Len Wicketts The 2007 Fall League will start October 23rd. If you are out of town you will need to contact your league representative to let them know if you will be available to play by October 23rd. If you will not be back at the start of the season you also need to let them know when you expect to return. UMPIRES CORNER Ken Skinner The Umpires Clinic will start up again on Thursday, September 6, 2007 at 4:00pm. These clinics are held at Liberty Field and open to all league players. All players are encouraged to attend as these clinics will help you be a better umpire. Rules and mechanic clinics will be conducted on a weekly basis. Each week we will cover various scenarios and answer your questions. Whether you are an active and inactive player please come and stay involved in the game we all love to play. For further information contact: Ken Skinner umpire@azsrsoftball.com Page 3 of 11

4 FIELDS OVER-SEEDING SCHEDULED Liberty Field in Sun City West will be closed starting Monday, September 24 and reopen October 15 This closure is necessary for maintenance crew to over-seeding the outfield with winter grass, laser leveling of the infield and any other field maintenance that s needed. This means that the field will be off limits for playing, and practices during this time. Sun Bowl Field in Sun City has of the time this newsletter goes to publication no definite date when they will be closing the field for over-seeding and other maintenance that may be needed. Again, these dates are subject to change. Thank you for your cooperation during this time period. Because of these field closures, there will be practice sessions at Bicentennial Field in Surprise. You need to sign a waiver in order to participate in these practices. Check the bulletin boards in the dugouts at the fields to verify closed dates. WELCOME BACK! Mike Hester, League President Hope everyone is ready to play ball. Know I am looking forward to getting back on the field. Summer was good to us and we had a good visit with family and friends but we are ready to head back home. Some new things you can look forward to as we prepare for the fall season. The summer league played with the new mat, one piece plate and mat, as heard nothing but favorable comments. Looking to implement in the new season. Also both clubs were in approval of establishing the position of a non playing manager/coach. This would allow those people, who feel their playing days were behind them, could still be part of the team in a non-playing role. All that is required is to request from the club for this position. This would allow an additional 26 people to continue to participate in the league and continue to be active. I feel that this position is a big step forward as we want to keep as many people involved as possible. While we have taken some small steps to hopefully make our game better we are always open to suggestions and ideas that will continue to improve our senior softball game and let as many as possible to continue to play this game we all love. Finally want to thank the summer coordinator, Chuck Holt, who, from all reports, has done a super job. Thanks Chuck for a job well done. Look forward to seeing everyone back on the field. CALENDAR OF EVENTS November 10, nd Annual Pancake Breakfast in the Park Beardsley Park Sun City West Serving starts at 9:00am. All you can eat for only $3. 00 per person. For more information contact: Bruce Brady - (623) February 1, nd Annual Cardiac Kids Invitational Liberty Field Sun City West Contact Bill Bromley at or at wbromley01@cox.net more information. Only players who have had a cardiac event are eligible to play. This year we are including the National League Players. So sign up early. February 8-10, 2008 Bosom Buddies Tournament Liberty Field Sun City West Contact Loran Swanson at (623) or Loran at swaneee@peoplepc.com for more information. March 6-9, 2008 Extended Spring Fling Tournament Liberty Field Sun City West National League Games (March 6 & 7) Contact Rich McAndrews at (623) or Rich at rmcandrews@cox.net for more information. American League Games (March 8 & 9) Contact George Karras at (623) or George at drdoddles@peoplepc.com for more information. If you are interested in playing in the Spring Fling, please contact your respective contact above. Be sure to check the bulletin boards and future newsletters for times. Page 4 of 11

5 NOT JUST A LAZY SUMMER NATIONAL LEAGUE SUMMER WRAP-UP Bob Williams The National League was able to field seven teams in the first session and four teams in the second and third session. Thanks to all the players who braved the summer heat, who risked heat stroke and dehydration, to make the summer session a whole lot of fun! I was privileged to be the National League Summer Coordinator this year. I would like to thank a few people who helped make this a great time for all of us. First, to those who helped keep our fields in great playing condition: Bill Buxton, Larry Kuberka and Carl Johnson are always there to make sure the Sun City facility is prepared and maintained for our games. George Karras and Ernie Miller are always working behind the scenes keeping Liberty Field in top notch condition. This summer saw many improvements at Liberty Field, including the grassy practice area on the first base side, our new covered Ramada, new benches in the dugouts and new sun covers over the dugouts. Special thanks to George Karras, Arnie Wright and Bob Wenners for putting in many hard hours creating the steps in the bleachers. Our loyal fans from both leagues have indicated their appreciation. From what I understand, this is the just the beginning of the improvements we can expect. Next I would like to thank the National League Managers who put in much time and effort to make this a fun summer: Steve Griswold, Carl Johnson, Len Wicketts, Ken Dorian, Carol Bowden, Bob Colli, Jack Harrison and Tom Yankowski. Dennis Farrar also assisted in organizing the last summer session. which still has about three weeks to go as of this writing. I would like to request that everyone who is planning to play this fall review proper scorekeeping techniques, so that you are ready for the start of the fall session. Since I am going to be the league reporter again, it is of utmost importance that those score sheets are done properly so that I can give due credit where credit is due. Make sure your managers explain scorekeeping to you or call me ( ). Last, but not least, thanks to the Candy Man (Len Wicketts) who provided breakfast chocolates to players and fans. If I have failed to mention others who were involved in the summer session, please accept my thanks and appreciation. Editor s Note: Thank you Bob & Kay for doing such a great job while I was gone. I know if you re called on again you will step up and help You are great servers. Dennis Farrar, Editor WELCOME NEW LEAGUE PLAYERS Loran Swanson Ken Boyd Judy Clark Otis Hamilton Bob Leisten Kent Lindberg Howard Murray Bob Peck Ray Ricken Art Roque Ky Slickers Paul Struglinski Don Swanson CONGRATULATIONS AND WELCOME Page 5 of 11

6 AMERICAN LEAGUE SUMMER SOFTBALL Charles Holt The American League fielded seven teams during the first session and five teams during the second and third sessions. This means that over 200 participated in summer ball. The managers, included some new ones, provided excellent leadership, including Bob Macintosh, Joe Wilkerson, Red Klingensmith, Bob Wenners, Ben Zeppa, Peg Swanson, Joe Maldoon, Dick Erickson, Jan Strock, Ernie Miller, Chuck Hendrix, Hal Dubois, Mel Bentley, Bill Jenkins, and John Doherty. The league is indebted to these faithful few who stepped forth to provide excellent leadership. The summer sessions were overseen by a committee of players, including Mike (and Linda) Graham, Bob Freeman, Wayne Mitchell, and Loran Swanson. They formed the teams, suggested several experiments with the rules, and resolved all other issues. There were a minimum number of controversies and a maximum amount of enjoyment. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of summer ball is the number of players who get involved in a variety of capacities. You simply can t say Play ball and play ball. The fields need to be maintained, the nuances of schedules and roster moves need to be monitored, and issues need to be anticipated and addressed in a timely manner. Thanks to the numerous members who understand that the league is booming because so many players take responsibility for making sure everything is in place for excellence to occur on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Hats off to a wonderful group of dedicated softball players. There is always room for more players to assume leadership positions. Please consider making yourself available. We need your talents, your time, and your commitment to the American League. Thanks. Also, please pass your suggestions on to your Board members on how to improve the summer sessions. This is your league, and all of us strive to meet your expectations. Together, we will continue to build on the solid foundation laid by such individuals as Tex Wells and Dave Oliver who previously led the summer league. Editor s Note: Thank you Chuck for stepping up and relieving Tex this summer. You have done a marvelous job. I know if you re called on again you will step up and help. Dennis Farrar, Editor SUN CITY CLUB WELCOME Don Gault, Sun City Club Interim President Welcome to the Senior Softball season beginning October We welcome new members and urge taking it easy at first to give yourself time to get back in shape. We extend an open invitation for all members to step up and participate with this organization in anyway you can. Without you, we will not survive. The September Board meeting will be held at Riverview Golf Course in the meeting room at 10:00am on Monday, September 10. Personally, my thanks to members of both Sun Cities for the support I received while serving on the board. I look forward to a new and better season. Good luck to all and have fun! Page 6 of 11

7 WELCOME BACK! Art Nelson, SCW Board President Summer is almost over and the 2007 Fall Season is soon to start in the latter part of October. Welcome back non-summer players. A lot has gone on at the Sun City West Liberty Field, thanks to George Karras and crew. Come by and see the changes. In November we will need to vote for 4 new Board members. We need good candidates for a 2 year term. So step up to the plate and run for the Board. We will be losing two very key people on the old Board, Lyle Bakken, Treasurer, and Dennis Farrar, Secretary. Thank you both for your two year commitment. Remember this year the American League will play Tuesday at Sun City and Thursday at Sun City West, and vice versa for the National League. So get in shape, come to practice, and have a safe season. WEB SITE ON LINE Dennis Farrar I have created a new web site for you link to for Senior Softball information. Although most of the information is league related, this web site will also include links that are non league activities, such as the Friday Co- Ed. Many of the links for the new site are directed to as they contain many pdf files. Please note that it is not my intention to replace the existing web site but try to enhance the information we already have and also including non related league links that are of special interest to many of our members. This site is located at Go check it out and enjoy. Ken is doing a good job for the league and I hope he will understand and realize the need. Remember, this is an alternative method for us to disseminate information to those who want to know its contents similar to Angels in the Outfield sites and others. There are no music or banner ads. Only information that is user-friendly. I hope you enjoy and will visit often. Catch IT Early! WOMEN S INVITATIONAL SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT February 8-10, 2008 Liberty Field Sun City West, AZ First game starts at 9:00am Benefit for BOSOM BUDDIES Breast Cancer Support Group Come join the fun and help fight breast Cancer. All the profits from the tournament Will be donated to Bosom Buddies. Thank You for your support!. For more info: (623) swaneee@peoplepc.com Page 7 of 11

8 Copyright All Rights Reserved ARBOR DAY ANNUAL BARK BIRDS BORDER BOTANIC BULLETIN CARE CARNEGIE CAUSE CELEBRATION COLLECTION COUNTRY CREATIVE DECIDE FIRST FOUNDER GATHER GREAT GREEN GROUP LEAVES MAGAZINE PARK PLANNING PLANT PLOT PROGRAMS PURCHASE RESEARCH ROOTS SHADE SKITS SOUTH TILTH TOWNS TREE TREES TRIBUTE TYPE WATER LOW BACK STRETCH Sitting on the bench with legs apart. Slowly bend forward & reach between you legs. Hold stretch. To return to starting position, place hands on knees and push up. UPPER BACK STRETCH Hold onto fence or rail with both hands. Keep you elbows straight and lean back as shown until a gentle stretch is felt between you shoulder blades. Hold stretch. Page 8 of 11

9 AS I SEE IT! Dennis Farrar Well, after playing softball the last three summers I decided it was time to take part of the summer off. I would like to start this issue by thanking Carol Bowden and Rich McAndrews for filling in for me by taking the secretarial minutes at the Sun City West Club and League Board meetings during my absence. Thank you both! My summer travels took me to Minnesota to help my daughter and son-in-law on their new home. I painted every room in the house and, yes, I even got to baby-sit a few times, and change some-not-so clean diapers. Yippee!! I almost forgot how fun grandkids can be. If I would have known this earlier I may have had them first. Needless to say, I had a great time with the kids and helping my kids out with their projects. My wife, Terese and I are very proud of them. We had our fair share of wind and rain, but all in all the weather was good. It was a lot cooler than in the Phoenix area. I m looking forward to going back again next year to help them on other projects and even call a few square dances in Minnesota and Iowa while I m there. Although I called some square dances in Minnesota, I ended my trip calling my annual square dances in Colorado during the month of June as I always have in the past, with my last dance in Prescott, AZ on July 7. Although I had a great time away, as the late John Denver once wrote in one of his popular songs, sure is good to be back home again and it is. WHERE ARE YOU LOOKING? Looking back can sometimes bring trouble. A Sunday school teacher was telling about Lot s wife, who looked back toward Sodom and Gomorrah and turned into a pillar of salt. Prompted by those words, a boy said, My mom was driving one day and suddenly looked back, too. She turned into a telephone pole. If you are new to our league be sure to check out our web site at You can also sign up to receive our on-line news s. The next newsletter will be the November issue so if you have anything to put in the newsletter, please put it in writing by paper or . You will also be able to get this newsletter in the dugouts as well as in the box beside the bulletin boards at both fields. That s how I see it. Have a great game and get home safe. Editor WORD SEARCH PUZZLE SOLUTION Remember NO CHEATING? Page 9 of 11

10 THANK YOU SPONSORS WE SUPPORT YOU! A Thank You to all of our wonderful sponsors who have continued to sponsor our recreation! Threw your ongoing support our league would not exist as we know it. You are truly a blessing that has helped us more than you will ever know, and allows all of us another chance to be that little kid again. A.E. Lewis & Sons Builders Air-By-Dean Arrowhead Honda Arrowhead Lexus Arvid & Kay Peterson, Realtors Bashas Bosom Buddies Brenda's Kitchen Capital Title Agency Cranstoun Court Jewelers Daily News Sun Denny's TV Desert Rose Concrete Coating Desert Golf Cars Edward Jones Farmers Ins. Paul Tone Farrar Chiropractic & Acupuncture Florencia Pizza Golden Eagle Distributors (Budweiser) Gonstead Family Chiropractic Grandview Terrace Ken Meade Realty Larry Ott Realty Liberty Buick Lund Cadillac Newton's Automotive Northern Trust Bank Peoria GMC Pepsi Cola Bottling Group Rosie's Italian Café Sanderson Lincoln Mercury Saturn of West Phoenix Southwest Golf Cars Sue Pahlke Realty Sun Country Credit Union Sunshine Irrigation The Exterminator Van's Pro Shop / Ping VFW Post Windermere Realty (Corporate) Windermere Realty (Mary Inman) Windermere Realty (MaryLee Magee & Lona King) Page 10 of 11

11 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. I would like to nominate: HALL OF FAME Nomination Form Comments: Submitted by: Date Page 11 of 11