Senior Softball Short Hops

Dennis LePore (No. 2) scampers toward second base as Gary Hillabolt awaits the throw. Foreground: Coach Tom Vitolo (No. 30) and first baseman Wayne Newman (No. 14) (Photo by Color Shot Studios)

Dennis LePore (No. 2) scampers toward second base as Gary Hillabolt awaits the throw. Foreground: Coach Tom Vitolo (No. 30) and first baseman Wayne Newman (No. 14) (Photo by Color Shot Studios)

Larry Wolfe

At press time, one week remained in our Winter League sessions. In the Lakes Division, the Young Home Team Realty squad, managed by Tom Erpelding, had a two-game lead over the A-1 Golf Carts and Core Photography teams. In the Sun Division, The Farmers Insurance Team, managed by Ron Carmichael and sponsored by the Frank Margiotta Agency, held a slim one-game lead over the Brenden Financial Planning and Spooner PT teams. Following the regular winter session, a three-day, double-elimination tournament was held. Go to the Stats Page on our website (www.sunlakessoftball.com) for up-to-date standings, tournament results, and batting statistics.

Tom Lorgan was leading the Lakes Division with a robust .840 average. He also led the Division in round trippers with six. Rounding out the top 10 were Dennis LePore (.770), Doug Warwick (.761), Vern Rogers (.730), Dave Martin (.724), Jim Entwistle (.723), Gary Hillabolt (.702), Jerry Smith (.698), Dennis Bernaiche (.684), and Ernie Flores (.683).

Mike Lebet was leading the Sun Division with a .817 average followed by Reyes Gonzales (.793), Bob Wicks (.778), Dan Melosi (.776), Bobby Farmer (.762), Tom Stephens (.752), Larry Kaufmann (.748), Tom Chilton (.733), Dave Platt (.723), and Dean Messier (.697). In this “homer happy” division, Bob Wicks had slugged 32 homers, two more than Tom Chilton. Others with 20+ long balls were Tom Stephens (27), Dan Melosi (26), Dean Messier (22), and Reyes Gonzales (21).

Thanks to owner Dan Schneider of Aluma-Line, Inc., for renewing their advertising banner at the Field of Dreams. Go to the Sponsors Page on our website for links to all of our sponsors and to learn how your business or organization can advertise at the field.

Save the Date: Our annual banquet is scheduled for April 1. Invitations and RSVP cards will be sent to all current members of the Sun Lakes Senior Softball Association. All former members are also welcome. Contact Larry Wolfe at [email protected] or call 480-802-2748 if you’re interested in attending.