The Western States Champions pictured left to right: Dennis Bernaiche, Sam Giordano, Paul Guyer, Tim Loeffler, Ken Muhlbier, Dave Martin, Dave Rinaldo, Gary Williams, Gino Burnett, Dick Bleich and Bill Stanick (missing from photo: Larry Kaufmann). The Western States Champions pictured left to right: Dennis Bernaiche, Sam Giordano, Paul Guyer, Tim Loeffler, Ken Muhlbier, Dave Martin, Dave Rinaldo, Gary Williams, Gino Burnett, Dick Bleich and Bill Stanick (missing from photo: Larry Kaufmann).
Larry Wolfe
Our Desert Bats 65 plus team recently won the Western States Qualifying Tournament in Prescott. The Bats swept the tournament field, finishing with a perfect 5-0 record. The Bats lived up to their name as their bats produced 109 runs, an average of nearly 22 per contest. They collectively had a .670 batting average with Gary Williams leading the way by going an incredible 19 for 20 in the tournament. This win qualifies the team to play in the upcoming World Masters Championships to be held in Las Vegas.
Our summer program continues through late October with batting practice and pick-up games held every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday morning at the Field of Dreams. Check our website at www.sunlakessoftball.com for start times and other information about our programs.
Sadly, another of our former players passed away recently. Bob Durben played in our league in the 1980s and ‘90s. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, many friends and his companion, Vivian Cox.