Ten years ago (left to right): The late Steve Hilby (eponym of our Spirit of Sun Lakes Softball Award), Gary Hillabolt, and Ken Brenden share a pre-game greeting.
Larry Wolfe
At press time, the Redeemed Team, managed by Ron Carmichael, had clinched the Sun Division Spring title with a 9-5 record. The Young Home Team-sponsored club, managed by Gary Hillabolt, led the Lakes Division, sporting a 9-3 record with four games remaining on their schedule. The Core Consulting team, managed by rookie manager Kim Van Nausdle, still had an outside chance of catching the league leaders. You can go to the Stats page on our website www.sunlakessoftball.com if you can’t wait to read the final results in next month’s Splash.
Our Association participated in the Play It Forward charitable event for the first time this spring. Play It Forward benefits the Neighbors Who Care organization. Our event featured a softball hitting contest where participants hit off a tee and aimed for a target in centerfield. Event winners were as follows: First place: Vern Rodgers, second place: Dennis Kennedy, third place: Bill Matson. We raised over $2,000 for this very worthwhile charity. Our goal will be to top that next year.
Our annual Social Event was held in early April. The event was a huge success, with well over 100 attendees enjoying a super buffet and the camaraderie among members and guests. We also had our annual Awards Ceremony. The following awards were presented:
Rookies of the Year: Warren Littleford (Lakes), Barron Liebert (Sun), and Holly Hall (Lady Sluggers)
Most Improved Players: Vern Rodgers (Lakes) and Kim Whitney (Sun)
Sportsmen of the Year: Jerry Giesinger (Lakes) and Ernie Flores (Sun)
The prestigious Steve Hilby Spirit of Sun Lakes Softball Award was won by Dennis LePore. This award was established in 2010 to recognize those members who go “above and beyond” in supporting our program. Award winners are selected based upon their outstanding dedication, initiative, and service to our organization.
Many thanks to Pat Wolfe for coordinating this event.
We also thank Drs. Saba and Chiappetti Dental Associates for renewing their advertising banner at the Field of Dreams. This is the 26th consecutive year that Dr. Saba’s practice has supported our program!
A memorable baseball-related quote by George Will, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author and political commentator: “The only thing I remember about my wedding day in 1967 is that the Cubs lost a doubleheader!”