2011 Hall of Fame Inductees BILL BUXTON MIKE HESTER LARRY KUBERKA ARVID PETERSON

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"You don't stop playing because you grow old; you grow old because you stop playing!

net April 2011 (46) 2011 Hall of Fame Inductees BILL BUXTON MIKE HESTER LARRY KUBERKA ARVID PETERSON Born and raised on a farm in Southeast Alabama.

After getting out of the service in early June they went to Columbus, Georgia where he played baseball the rest of the year. As both of them were young, Faye became "home sick".

During that time, he took night classes and became a Mechanical Engineer in Hydraulics and finished his effort as the Master Mechanic of one of their properties.

BILL BUXTON He began playing organized baseball at age 10, and gave baseball up in 1964 after playing with a Mexican team in Mexico on weekends.

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 Softball Dennis Farrar Editor Association, and is made possible through the generosity of our sponsors. April 2011 (46) 2011 Hall of Fame Inductees BILL BUXTON MIKE HESTER LARRY KUBERKA ARVID PETERSON Born and raised on a farm in Southeast Alabama. Because of being in the Army, he came to Arizona in He met his wife Faye in Bisbee that year. They married in May After getting out of the service in early June they went to Columbus, Georgia where he played baseball the rest of the year. As both of them were young, Faye became "home sick". They moved back to Bisbee in April With family responsibility, he went to work in the open-pit mine in Bisbee for Phelps Dodge Corp. He worked for them until April During that time, he took night classes and became a Mechanical Engineer in Hydraulics and finished his effort as the Master Mechanic of one of their properties. In October 1985, he became the Fleet Manager for the Central Arizona Project in Phoenix and served in this capacity until retirement in While still working he moved to Sun City in BILL BUXTON He began playing organized baseball at age 10, and gave baseball up in 1964 after playing with a Mexican team in Mexico on weekends. In 1964 a town fast-pitch team was formed for Bisbee and the team played until 1983 where he caught the same pitcher for those 19 years. Read more on p. 2. Born in Milwaukee Wisconsin and grew up playing baseball, football, and basketball in both grade school and high school. As a senior, broke his thumb in baseball practice and was not allowed to play for 6 weeks. So started playing softball, using a 16 inch ball without any mitts. Continued with softball through 1968, when transferred to New Jersey, working in New York City. Played for the company softball team winning the industrial league championship in Central Park 3 times. In 1988 was again transferred, this time to Dallas Texas where senior softball was discovered. Played the next 12 years with various teams in the Dallas area, and world championships from Greenville North Carolina to Wayne County Michigan, and Phoenix Arizona, just to name a few. Arrived in Sun City West in late 2000 and started playing at Liberty Field, and for the Coyotes traveling team, where he again played in the World Series and championships in Dallas Texas and Phoenix Arizona. Read MIKE HESTER more on p. 2. LARRY Larry was born November 29, 1937 at home in Virginia, MN. He was the second son of 5 boys in the family. At age 12, he played as the first baseman on the Little League All Star Travel Team. At age 16, he played on City Youth Softball Fast Pitch Championship Team. He graduated from Virginia Roosevelt High School on June 9, On July 12, 1955 at age 17 and weighing 112 lbs., he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After 9 weeks of boot camp and now weighing 165 lbs., Larry attended the Navy's Class "A" Welding & Sheet Metal School in San Diego, CA. He graduated "Honor Man" of the class. He then spent the next 3 years aboard 2 different ships, 18 months on the USS Greenwood DE 679, home port New Port, RI and 18 months on the USS Strickland DER 333, home port Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. June 1959, Larry married the love of his life, Camilla, and they are nearing their 52 years of marriage which most people said would not last 6 months. Larry and Camilla have 2 sons; Joe, a retired Air Force KUBERKA Pilot and Jeff, a mechanical Engineer with his own company in computer aid design, and 4 Grandchildren, in MN., who play an important part of their lives. Read more on p. 2. Born in Watertown, SD Oct 23, Graduated WHS in 1959 with honors. Then graduated South Dakota State University 1963 BS Civil Engineering. Arvid was student body president. Graduated Purdue University 1965 MS Civil Engineering. Served in USAF as Electronic Warfare Officer/Navigator. Flew in B-66 for 120 missions over North Vietnam. Was consultant engineer in Chicago with Barton-Aschman Bought Farmers Insurance Agency in Sturgis, South Dakota. Worked it from ARVID PETERSON He made the Farmers Wall of Honor in 1985, Farmers District Manager in Minneapolis Married to Kay for 17 years. Retired and moved to Sun City in 2002 and started playing softball. Kay and he have a successful real estate business for the past six years. Read more on p. 2. INSIDE THIS ISSUE 2009 Hall Of Fame Inductees... p 1-2 5th Annual Palm Desert Tournament.. p 3 Angels In The Outfield.. p 3 As I See It. p 4 Calendar of Events.. p 3 In Memoriam... p 2 Last Newsletter For Season.. p 2 Liberty Field s Spotlight.... p 6 Meet Our Sponsors..... p 7 NL Spring Fling Tournament.. p 4 Special Veteran s Day Event Planned. p 6 Spring Colors. p 7 Tin Cup Invitational... p 8 Westside Food Bank Wrap-up... p 6 Word Search Puzzle... p 5 Word Search Puzzle Solution p 4

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES cont d ~ Bill Buxton Because of the demands of raising a family and the need for those expenses he began umpiring and officiating baseball, basketball and football for the

Not being retired when he moved to Sun City in 1994, he didn't begin playing Senior Softball until late 2000 with the Ray Murphy team in the Friday co-ed league.

2 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES cont d ~ Bill Buxton Because of the demands of raising a family and the need for those expenses he began umpiring and officiating baseball, basketball and football for the Arizona Interscholastic Association and basketball for Division 1 College. This began in Bisbee in 1960, basketball and football ended in 2000 but he still does baseball and fast pitch softball. Not being retired when he moved to Sun City in 1994, he didn't begin playing Senior Softball until late 2000 with the Ray Murphy team in the Friday co-ed league. He began playing in the National League in January 2001 and moved to the America League two months later. At that time Bob Luebben was the manager. He became a manager in 2003 and is still one in He was elected to the Sun City Senior Softball Board in 2005 and became president in 2006, and was elected to SCSSA Board again in At the present time serves on the American League Board. Come to the Sun Bowl field in Sun City and most likely this is where he is as he tries to keep it in the best of playing conditions. He will continue to play as long as he can. Bill has been married to Faye 51+ years, they have 3 children 10 grand children 7 great grand children. ~ Mike Hester Mike served on the board for the Sun City West as vice president for two years and two years as president of the association. He worked to build softball in the Sun Cities area by working to bring women s softball here, and vintage softball to Sun City West, along with displaying our great facility to other clubs and creating a home and home series with Palm Springs Sun Cities and Pebblebrook, which started in He was also involved in the Tin Cup Golf Tournament as chairman for two years. He has been married to his wife, Mary for 11 years and at this time in his life he could not think of a better place to be living, doing all the things we like. ~ Larry Kuberka After 45 years of no softball playing, Larry tried playing again. After months of black & blue bruises and lumps, Larry caught more balls with his glove than other parts of his body. Larry was hooked on Sun Cities Senior Softball. Larry served 2 years on SCSS Association Board. During those 2 years, he chaired every committee at some time. He also, served 1 year on the Sun Cities Joint Board and 1 year on the Hall of Fame Nominating Committee. Larry's main goal during his tenure was to get the Sun City ball field a new scoreboard. He started a scoreboard fund and then became known as the Can-Man collecting aluminum cans from both cities and anything else aluminum to supplement the fund. With the help of a scoreboard committee and donations help from many individuals, the Can-Man was informed that the Sun City club could now buy a new scoreboard. While chairing the field maintenance committee, he built the new batter boxes and with the help of 2 Hall of Fame players (Steve Letko and Paul Vitale) installed them. Larry has run both the American and National League election days for the past 4 or 5 years. Larry has also been a team manager for 4 or 5 sessions. When Cancer hit Larry and had him begging for mercy, he wanted to do one more thing and with the help and support of many players and their spouses, plus the many sponsors and friends, Sun City's "Cancer Survivor's Day" was held. Donation of over $2, to fight cancer was presented to Lymphoma Foundation. Over 40 players that were cancer survivors played ball that day. ~ Arvid Peterson He has 3 children and 4 grand children. In Sun Cities Softball he has been a manager, sponsor coordinator, club secretary, an association president, and many committees including rules, sponsors, Hall of Fame, ratings, team sponsor for American League, Women s Hot Flashes/Flames, and 5 Sidewinder Tournament Teams, also sponsored charity tournaments Cardiac Kids, Bosom Buddies, Tin Cup and Larry Kuberka Cancer. Also sponsor two billboards. He absolutely loves playing softball and associating with his softball friends. These have been some of the happiest years of our lives. LAST NEWSLETTER FOR THE SEASON Dennis Farrar This will be the last newsletter until the fall. The next newsletter will come out in September and will only be available in electronic format [pdf] through the association web site. Look for the November issue in the dugouts late October. Remember the deadline is the 20th of each month. Also, be sure you check the web site throughout the summer to stay in touch with the latest association and club updates, including all the summer softball information, and when the Fall Season will get underway. Thank you for all your support these past years, and especially to those of you who have contributed articles. I m looking forward to another great new year in 09. Have a safe and happy summer. Page 2 of 8

proudly presents our 5th ANNUAL PALM DESERT TOURNAMENT SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 2011 1 st Game 9:00am LIBERTY FIELD SUN CITY WEST, AZ COME OUT AND ENJOY A DAY OF FUN, FOOD & FRIENDSHIP AND SEE SOME GREAT

April 10, 2011 (Sunday) Tin Cup Golf Tournament & Banquet Palm Ridge Golf Course Sun City West Contact Larry Bond at (623) 214-6758 or Dick Lemoine at (623) 975-9291 or email Dick at lemoineaz@aol.

This is not a new job for Bob, but rather an acknowledgement of work he is already doing, offering counseling and support BOB RENBERG Photo by Dennis Farrar for players and their families.

I know from personal experience that it all means a great deal! Editor s Note: My apologies to Linda Graham for not getting this article in last month s issue of Batter Up. Sorry.

3 proudly presents our 5th ANNUAL PALM DESERT TOURNAMENT SATURDAY, APRIL 9, st Game 9:00am LIBERTY FIELD SUN CITY WEST, AZ COME OUT AND ENJOY A DAY OF FUN, FOOD & FRIENDSHIP AND SEE SOME GREAT SOFTBALL CALENDAR OF EVENTS ( PLEASE NOTE SOME OF THE DATES MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE ) April 2, 2011 (Saturday) Tucson vs. SCSSA Liberty Field Sun City West Contact Ken Skinner for more information. April 10, 2011 (Sunday) Tin Cup Golf Tournament & Banquet Palm Ridge Golf Course Sun City West Contact Larry Bond at (623) or Dick Lemoine at (623) or Dick at lemoineaz@aol.com for more information. Editor s Note: Be sure to check the web site for any and all updates to the web calendar. The web calendar also includes SC Club, SCW Club, and SC League meetings, as well as other information that may not make Batter Up newsletters in time. Angels In The Outfield Linda Graham We are pleased to announce that Bobby Renberg has been "adopted" as Chaplain for Angels in the Outfield. This is not a new job for Bob, but rather an acknowledgement of work he is already doing, offering counseling and support BOB RENBERG Photo by Dennis Farrar for players and their families. Thanks to Bob as well as to all the other invisible Angels who make phone calls, send cards, run errands, offer kind thoughts and prayers, etc. I know from personal experience that it all means a great deal! Editor s Note: My apologies to Linda Graham for not getting this article in last month s issue of Batter Up. Sorry. Also, as some of you may have seen on the Angels Bulletin Board, Joyce Fano has decided to retire from active participation in Angels in the Outfield. She has been such a valued and hardworking member for 10 years. Her dedication to the Toys for Kids event, along with being the Treasurer, card and memorial sender, etc. is truly appreciated. Thank you so much, Joyce, for your service to the Softball Family and smiling kiddos everywhere! Editor s Note: Thanks you Joyce for all your hard work and dedication. Dennis Page 3 of 8

on. WOW! It s hard to believe that there has been so many changed on our field just since I started playing back in 2003. I bet all those players we lost this year are looking down on us with a SMILE.

And also to Bob Peck for his follow up on the project. Many of you have had the chance to visit the YouTube videos by now. You can find the link on the web site or just go to www.youtube.

Finally, if you are leaving soon for the summer or just taking a little time away from the game to visit the kids or grandkids please travel safe. We want to see all of you behind the plate next fall.

4 AS I SEE IT! Dennis Farrar Well another season closes and before long the summer sessions will be starting, and before you turn around, the fall season will be upon us with a new artificial infield turf to play on. WOW! It s hard to believe that there has been so many changed on our field just since I started playing back in I bet all those players we lost this year are looking down on us with a SMILE. This was one of George Karras dreams and now it is coming true. Like the saying goes, If you don t have a dream, you can t make it come true. Thank you George for you vision and dreaming BIG! And also to Bob Peck for his follow up on the project. Many of you have had the chance to visit the YouTube videos by now. You can find the link on the web site or just go to to see the old and new videos. I am adding new ones all the time so please check this link out to see what s going on behind the camera. Finally, if you are leaving soon for the summer or just taking a little time away from the game to visit the kids or grandkids please travel safe. We want to see all of you behind the plate next fall. Wherever your travel leads you, please remember to be safe off the field too. Have a Happy April Fool s Day and try don t play tricks on others. Ha, Ha. That s how I see it! Have a good game and get home safe. Editor FRIENDSHIP PUZZLE SOLUTION NATIONAL LEAGUE SPRING FLING TOURNAMENT 2011 Bob Williams The National League Spring Fling was held at Liberty Field, March 3 and 4 with eight teams putting on a great show for the fans. The fling has flung and it was good, and it was my privilege to be the coordinator again this year. Both new and old managers did a great job! Congratulations to the first place Rich McAndrews' Relics, the second place Fred Suess Mustangs, third place Arnie Rehmann Raiders and the fourth place Dennis Christenson Titans. Although not making it to the championship rounds, I appreciate Ray Murphy, Ben Zeppa, Jim Zeeb and Karen Hill who managed the other four teams. Any event like this takes many pairs of hands and volunteers to make it a success. Special thanks to my wife Kay. Thank you to Ken Skinner and Ronnie Guest for their professional umpiring on championship day. A special thanks to Jim Tramel and Duane Newkirk who spent two days score keeping and running the scoreboard. You two guys are amazing! Thanks also to Dennis Farrar for all of his work in the booth, on the field and with his camera. Don and Linda Swanson and Elaine Boldt stuck with us both days helping with set up, cooking and clean up a million thanks! Cooking and cleaning duties were also provided by Walt Worley, Gladys Harrison, Del Stolp and Jan and Kim Peterson. Our apologies to anyone we may have missed, but we are extremely grateful. This was a terrific tournament and we could not have done it without you! Remember, No Cheating? Thanks to all the men and women who played in the tournament and thanks to our fans who helped cheer them on. The hidden message is: CAMARADERIE Page 4 of 8

Copyright 2011 Dennis Farrar All rights reserved. 2011 SPRING FLING IS IN THE HISTORY BOOKS Spring Fling Champions What s the count?

5 ACQUAINTANCE AFFECTION AFFINITY ALLY AMIGO AMITY BOYFRIEND BUDDY CHUM CLOSENESS COMPANION COMRADE CONFIDE EMPATHY FAVOR FONDNESS FRIENDLINESS FUN GIRLFRIEND GOOD TIMES HONESTY KINSHIP LEND LOYALTY PAL ROOMMATE SHARE SUPPORTIVE SYMPATHY TRUST FRIENDSHIP Find and circle all of the words that are hidden in the grid. The remaining letters spell an additional word related to friendship. Copyright 2011 Dennis Farrar All rights reserved SPRING FLING IS IN THE HISTORY BOOKS Spring Fling Champions What s the count? The Relics capture the 2011 National League Championship at the Spring Fling held on March 4, 2011 at Liberty Field in Sun City West. Arizona. Congratulations! Photo by Kay Williams The Association s Umpire in Chief, Ken Skinner checks the ball & strike count during the National League s Spring Fling held on March 4, 2011 at Liberty Field in Sun City West. Arizona. Photo by Dennis Farrar Page 5 of 8

LIBERTY FIELD S SPOTLIGHT Ray Early, Field Manager I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who volunteered your services at Liberty Field this season.

We need volunteers to help us make Liberty Field the Place to Be on Game Day.

To me, this is a tremendous upgrade and I feel it will add to the appearance of the ball park as well as make the playing conditions more enjoyable.

6 LIBERTY FIELD S SPOTLIGHT Ray Early, Field Manager I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who volunteered your services at Liberty Field this season. From the public address announcers down to the field maintenance crew and all those in between, your service is appreciated. We need volunteers to help us make Liberty Field the Place to Be on Game Day. Hopefully, we will be able to install the new artificial surface starting next September and be ready to play on it when the fall session opens. To me, this is a tremendous upgrade and I feel it will add to the appearance of the ball park as well as make the playing conditions more enjoyable. No more dragging, watering or chalking the infield and, unless the outfield is extremely wet, no more rainouts. I would like to add that if you want the field at a particular time starting next fall, be sure to let me know no later than mid October so as to allow me to schedule field activities accordingly. If anyone would be interested in taking over the function of scheduling field activities for Liberty Field, please let me know and I will be happy to hand that assignment over to you. If not, I will do the best I can to accommodate every body's wishes. Your cooperation and understanding regarding this subject is greatly appreciated. I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable summer. Come back next October looking forward to playing on our new infield. WESTSIDE FOOD BANK WRAP-UP Carol Bowden It looks like the SCW softball club again posted about 1000 pounds of food donated to the Food Bank! A great accomplishment for only 5 months. Congratulate yourselves on a job well done. Special Veterans' Day Event Planned! Linda Graham With only a month left in the Winter/Spring session before many of you will be heading to your summer homes, it is time to start planning for your Fall Return. Sun City Softball Club is organizing a Veterans' Day Weekend event for November 12 and possibly the 13th as well, at Sun Bowl Field. The games are open to American and National League players from Sun City and Sun City West. Here is what will make it extra special. To play, you must have served in a branch of the service (active or reserves) or served as a "First Responder"(policeman or fireman). The teams and format will be determined after sign-ups. A welcome back picnic will be served in honor of those who have served. So mark your calendar and make your plane reservations so you will be back in plenty of time. Sign-up sheets will be at both fields or sign up on line. And even if you don't play, we hope you plan to come by to enjoy the festivities. Page 6 of 8

SPRING COLORS BURSTING OUT AT LIBERTY FIELD Barb Waddell Our Friday CoED softball league completes the season with a BURST of color in uniforms for each team.

7 SPRING COLORS BURSTING OUT AT LIBERTY FIELD Barb Waddell Our Friday CoED softball league completes the season with a BURST of color in uniforms for each team. The HOT PEPPERS, managed by Laurel Andrew and Tony Dibiasio have been the pacesetter with their burgundy/yellow tops with burgundy shots/socks brought onto the scene at the end of last session. Sporting added new colorful uniforms as we complete this season are RETREADS, managed by Fred Suess and Cindy Gilbert, with their new orange/white uniforms. The MAVERICKS, managed by Bill Hill/Rick Fish, are wearing the always popular red/white uniforms. FARRAR CHIROPRACTIC, managed by Dennis Farrar/Julie McGlynn are in passionate purple/white. LARRY OTT REALTY, managed by Larry/Rachel Ott, are in a very vibrant shade of blue. Completing the field of 6 teams is GUYS/GALLS, managed by Myrl Wagenknecht with Southwest turquoise/white. The teams are sharp both in uniform and with their skills. Stop by the field for any of the remaining games this season March :15-12:30 April :15-12:30 To watch these colorful teams compete in softball. The Friday CoED League rosters are currently carrying players per team representing all 3 leagues on each team. No stats or standings are kept and teams are not reorganized each season. Our season will run October 28, 2011 thru April 6, If questions, please contact new Chairman Barb Waddell at THANK YOU SPONSORS WE SUPPORT YOU! Arrowhead Lexus Arvid & Kay Peterson Realty Bashas Brenda s Kitchen Camino Del Sol Funeral Chapel Canyon State Air Conditioning & Heating Cool Touch 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 Fast Signs Golden Eagle Distributors (Budweiser) Gonstead Family Chiropractic Grandview Terrace Ken Meade Realty Larry Ott Realty Liberty Buick Lund Cadillac Mary Inman Realty Northern Trust Bank Pruitt s Furniture Reategui Law Firm Rosie s Italian Café Sue Pahlke Realty Town Cryers Realtors Van s Pro Shop / Ping VFW Post VW of Peoria Page 7 of 8

8 Golf Banquet... Beer Garden Awards Contests Prizes Surprises Silent and Live Auctions Fun TIME IS RUNNING OUT, SIGN UP NOW This will be a memorable day! Non-stop, exciting events all day long on Sunday, April 10, 2011 in Sun City West. Win a loaded Yamaha Golf Car. See Danny Larette, the world s long-drive lefty champion in a live demo. Get blown-away by the special surprises at the live auction. Lots of incredible prizes and surprises will be presented at the Banquet plus tournament awards. What a day! You can invite your friends too. Arrowhead Lexus sponsors the Tin Cup Invitational featured annually by the Sun City West Softball Club. The Banquet is catered by the Outback Steakhouse at the Palm Ridge Recreation Center near 135 th and Deer Valley Rd. It s all happening in SCW: Two golf courses, Deer Valley and Trail Ridge; prizes for long drives, closest to the pin on all par 3s; putting for cash contest; each player can purchase a team Mulligan; discuss your game at the free beer garden; get lucky with Dick s Surprise Box ; win a Yamaha golf car with custom interior, custom wheels and paint job by Desert Golf Cars (tickets are $25 each or 8 for $100); have fun at the Silent Auction with great choices including Ping golf equipment, Electronics, etc.; join in the excitement of the Live Auction with some very special surprise items. Times and Formats: Sunday, April 10, at Deer Valley and Trail Ridge: Putting contest, 9-11:00AM; Golf, shotgun start 11:30AM; Format: 4-player Scramble standard 4-man, mixed and women s flights; Beer Garden 3:30 to 4:45PM. You may make up your own foursome. Banquet at Palm Ridge Center: Doors open for Cocktails at 5PM; Silent Auction 5-7PM; Dinner 6PM... Menu: 1) Grilled Chicken and BBQ Ribs; or 2) Vegetarian on Request. Live Auction and Surprises. Costs per Person: Golf and Dinner $75; Dinner only $30; Golf only $45. Information and Details: Dick LeMoine or Chuck Davelis Reservation Forms: roneppley@cox.net or Liberty Field or on line. Participants are limited to 144 on each golf course, so sign up and pay as soon as possible. No jeans or T-shirts permitted. Dress code for dinner is casual. The entire day (golf tournament, banquet and raffle) is open to the public. Banquet attendance is not required to win the Custom Golf Car raffle. Don t miss this remarkable day. Act Now First Come, First Served! John Doherty, , Page 8 of 8

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING AT?

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING AT? "You don't stop playing because you grow old; you grow old because you stop playing!" September 2010 The BATTER UP Newsletter is published for the Sun Cities Senior Softball Association, and is made possible