Larry Wolfe

As of press time, there was still a week to go in our fall sessions, with the winter sessions scheduled to start on Jan. 3. We’ll provide final standings and stats in next month’s Splash. If you can’t wait that long, go to the Stats page on our website, www.sunlakessoftball.com. Our Lady Sluggers team will also be starting their season in January. Go to the Ladies page on the website to see their schedule.

You’d think that if your team scored 27 runs in a game, it would be a sure winner, but Nooo! On Dec. 8 Manager Sam Giordano’s Redeemed Team did just that, but lost—by 13 runs to Manager Randy Neumann’s Spooner Physical Therapy-sponsored squad. Yes, the Therapists scored 40 runs in one game! Based upon preliminary research of our records, we believe that was the most runs ever scored in one game by one team (40) and by both teams combined (67). In the final inning, the first 17 batters for the Therapists reached base on 16 hits and an error, with 15 of them scoring. Ernie Flores, Dean Messier, and Brad Wendt had seven hits each during the slugfest, with Flores also scoring seven runs himself. We may never see a game like this again but, then again, we might, ‘cause it is senior softball!

Three long-time sponsors renewed their advertising banners at the Field of Dreams. Thanks to Dean LaPlant and DC Steakhouse (sponsors since 2013), Debbie Wiltse and her State Farm Insurance Agency (also 2013), and the Buckeye Boys, fans of The Ohio State University (2010). There are links to all of our sponsors’ websites on the Sponsors page of our site. Support the companies that support Sun Lakes!

There have been literally hundreds and hundreds of players who’ve been members of the Sun Lakes Senior Softball Association (SLSSA) over the years. Sadly, we lose touch with many after they “retire” from playing. To help remedy that, we’ve decided to start the SLSSA Alumni Association. Alumni who join up will be kept in the loop and be invited to SLSSA functions. We’re still in the start-up phase, but we hope to have special events such as alumni get-togethers in the future. Go to the Homepage on our website and click on Alumni Association for more information and an application. There is no charge to join.

We were saddened to learn of the recent passing of Karen Sowney, late wife of Ed Sowney, a long-time player, board member, and previous president of the SLSSA. We also lost former player Duke Garoutte. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends.