Bill Maxwell prepares to unload a pitch, while first baseman Wayne Newman (NOT Newton) intently looks on. (Photo by Perfect Pitch Studios)
Larry Wolfe
The Spring Sessions for both the Lakes and Sun Divisions are about to begin. Play begins March 2, and will continue through late April. As of press time, the Winter Sessions were still underway with the Brenden Financial Planning team leading the Lakes Division with a 7-3 record. In the Sun Division, the Redeemed Team, sponsored by Suzi Steinmann Realty, and the Spooner Physical Therapy squad were tied for first place with 7-5 records.
In the Lakes Division, there were seven active players with averages of over .700, led by Vern Rodgers at .793. The rest of the .700 club were Tom Lorgan (.785), Doug Warwick (.737), Frank Rouse (.725), Terry Zeltinger (.721), and Bob Montelione (.707). Vern Rodgers was also the leading home run hitter with five.
Over in the Sun Division, Paul Gayer was leading the league with a robust .825 average. Other top hitters included Bobby Farmer (.801), Brad Wendt (.779), and Dave Platt and Larry Kaufmann (both at .761). Three sluggers had 20 or more homers: Bobby Farmer (29), Mike Lebet (25), and Tom Bersano (20).
We thank Dr. Matthew Hansen for renewing his advertising banner at the Field of Dreams. Dr. Hansen specializes in Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine. Go to the Sponsors’ Page on our website, www.sunlakessoftball.com, to learn more about his practice and for links to all of our other advertising and team sponsors.
Tom Vitolo, a longtime member of our association, recently had a serious heart-related incident at the Field of Dreams. A group of our players immediately stepped in to help until first responders could arrive. They also took Tom’s wife Mary to the hospital and provided other support. Members Ken Brenden, Joe Commisto, Evan Hansen, Tom Lorgan, Wayne Newman, and Doug Warwick all deserve thanks and praise for their actions. Tom and Mary wish to thank these gentlemen and all the members who sent cards and prayers their way. Manager Tom Erpelding also delivered a giant get well card with scores of supportive messages for Tom and Mary. I’m happy to report that Tom is now doing well and is back playing the game he loves. This is just one of the things that makes our association and our members so very special.
We were saddened to learn of the passing of Patti Delaney, wife of former playing member and head groundskeeper Larry Delaney. Our thoughts and prayers are with Larry and his family.