The Farmers Insurance Champs: Kneeling (left to right) Stevie Kay, Gary Alexander, Billy Kreisman, Jerry Smith, Jesse Washington, Stan Weiss and Art Hamer; standing (left to right) Brian Jette, Ed Sowney, Mgr. Gary Hillabolt, Rick Ebel, Chris Jensen, Jim Dunn, Dennis McCarthy, Jeff Jay and Dennis LePore (photo by Core Photography)
Larry Wolfe
A three-day modified double elimination tournament was held after the conclusion of the Lakes Division Winter League season. The exciting tournament included four one-run games out of the six games played.
In the opener, the Wolfe & Associates team, managed by Randy Rothenbuehler, beat the A-1 Golf Carts squad, managed by TJ Tjernlund, by a 12-7 score. Dan Bradfield led the winners with a perfect four-for-four day, while Jeff Jay, Harry Roehl and Steve Holliger paced the Golfers. In the second game, the Farmers Insurance team, managed by Gary Hillabolt and sponsored by the Frank Margiotta Agency, edged the Core Photography club, managed by Dave Rinaldo, by a razor-thin 18-17 margin. The Farmers banged out 27 hits, with Gary Alexander and Jesse Washington collecting four safeties each while John Siegla led the Cameramen with four hits.
On day two, the A-1 Golfers eliminated Core’s Cameramen 22-12. Jeff Jay and Harry Roehl each contributed four hits to the winning cause while Bill Stanick paced the Cameramen with four hits of his own. The Wolfe & Associates team then skimmed by the Farmers squad by a 10-9 score. Hoot Gibson and Bill Gaston led the Wolfe Pack with three hits each while five different players had two hits apiece for the Farmers.
On the final day of play, the Farmers ousted A-1 by a 16-15 count. Dennis LePore, Gary Hillabolt, Chris Jensen and Jesse Washington each had three hits for the Farmers while the Golfers were led by Jeff Jay with four base knocks. The Wolves then hosted the Farmers in the championship game with the Farmers, making an incredible comeback to win the championship. The Farmers were down seven runs in the final inning before tying the game and forcing an extra inning of play where the Farmers prevailed. Jim Dunn went five for five for the Farmers, while teammates Dennis LePore and Jesse Washington supported the cause with four safeties. Bill Stanick, Hoot Gibson, Brian Jette and Tom Vitolo each had three hits for the Wolves. The game featured an incredible 54 hits with the Farmers collecting 31 in their thrilling 24-23 comeback victory!
BUNTS & SHORT HOPS:
We welcome another new advertising sponsor this month. Dr. Robert Hamburg of Central Arizona Heart Specialists is our newest sponsor. Thanks to him and all of our other advertising and team sponsors. Go to the Sponsors Page on our website, www.sunlakessoftball.com, for links to all of our supporters.
The Spring Leagues in both our Sun and Lakes Divisions are nearing conclusions. After league play ends, we’ll have end-of-season tournaments, a cook-out and our annual awards ceremony. Check the website for details.