Scorekeeper Reggie Reese (front) and scoreboard operator Larry Maggard watch the action in our scorer’s booth. It’s volunteers like them who make our program run smoothly. (Photo by Larry the Lensman)
Larry Wolfe
The Fall Sessions in both our Lakes and Sun Divisions began in late October and continue through Dec. 17. Sun Division team managers and sponsors for this session are Kim Whitney (Leckner Realty), Bill Corso (The Redeemed Team), Randy Neumann (Spooner Physical Therapy), and Ron Carmichael (Wolfe & Associates). Managers and sponsors in the Lakes Division are Joe Commisto (A-1 Golf Carts), Vern Rodgers (Core Photography), Bill McCoy (Skyview Digital Media), and Gary Hillabolt (Young Home Team Realtors).
At press time, A-1 Golf Carts was atop the standings in the Lakes Division with a 5-1 record. Top hitters were Mike Willits (.788), Ernie Flores (.784), and Dave Boone (.778). Rookie Brian Brockman was the homerun leader with five round-trippers.
Wolfe & Associates was in first place in the Sun Division with a 5-1 record. The top batters in that division were Dan Melosi (.833), Dave Platt (.800), and Tom Stephens (.789). There was a three-way tie for the lead in homers among Bobby Farmer, Larry Kaufmann, and Tom Stephens, all with six. Go to the Stats page on our website www.sunlakessoftball.com for up-to-date standings and batting statistics.
We thank the following longtime supporters of our program for renewing their advertising banners at the Field of Dreams:
360 Physical Therapy and owner Tresha Aschenbrener, advertisers since 2004;
The Charles Company and Associates and President Alice Schroeder, advertisers since 2003; and
Sun Devil Auto, advertisers since 2000.
Go to the Sponsors page of our website for information about all our advertising and team sponsors.
October was a tough month for the Sun Lakes softball community. First, we lost longtime member Ron Brown. Ron played in our league for many years and didn’t hang up his spikes until he was 83! He was a consistent .600-plus hitter and one of the best pitchers in our league for many years. In fact, he hit .658 as an 80-year-old in 2012! Back in the ‘70s, Ron was player-manager for the Chicago Storm, a professional softball team. He’s also a member of the Illinois USSSA Softball Hall of Fame. Our condolences go out to his wife Gay and the rest of his family and many friends. Rest in peace, Ronnie.
Secondly, Steve Hilby, a current member, unexpectedly passed away at age 67 from COVID complications. Steve was one of the top hitters in our league for both average and power, but much more than that, he was a key member of our program and a true friend to us all. Steve served on our board of directors for six years and had stints as secretary and president of our association. His wife Cyndy is also a key member of our softball family, playing on the ladies’ team, serving as scorer for our men’s teams and is currently secretary of our board of directors. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Cyndy, son Matt (Sarah), daughter Kate (Neal), Steve’s parents, and all his other family members, friends, and teammates. His passing leaves a mammoth hole in the heart of our program. He will be sorely missed.