It may seem hard to believe but another Sun City Softball Club season is gearing up for a big finish.
About three weeks of regular season games remained when a good-size crowd gathered at Veterans Memorial Field July 24 for the all-star game. Lumbarjacks manager Joe Gattone’s Patriots team took on Mustangs manager Pat Klatt’s Stars and Stripes team. A couple of hours of softball fun ended with Stars and Stripes winning 6-3.
The post-season playoffs are fast approaching, scheduled for an Aug. 17 start.
“It was a pleasure to coach them,” Klatt said. “They did all the work. I just let them loose,” Klatt said afterward. “What a great night, a beautiful summer night and we get to play like we’re 11, 12, and 13-years old again.”
Gattone agreed with Klatt’s assessment.
“These guys are awesome. It’s an honor,” Gattone said.
The Patriots took the early 2-0 lead but the Stars and Stripes had two three-run innings. Jeff Holst of the Capitals gained the pitching win.
There was an international feature as Neil Bolding, a native of London, England, played for the winners.
“I’ve been here for four years and it’s wonderful,” Bolding said.
The Patriots.
The roster of the winning Stars and Stripes team and their squad: Don Grex, Adjusters; Jeff Williams, Mustangs; Paul Thompson, Travelers; Ed Levkulich, Adjusters; Dave Rodiek, Coyotes; Donn Smith, Bucketlisters; Tom Moore, Coyotes; Rich Pearl, Monarchs; John Roccosanto, Hurricanes; Jim Leahy, Hurricanes; Drew Catania, Lumbarjacks and Gary Grash, Monarchs.
Patriots’ 14-member team: George Goodue, Mustangs; Jeff Spiller, Lumbarjacks; Mike Grantham, Adjusters; Mike Kazmarek, Mustangs; Ron derby, Travelers; Pete Kiobassa, Lumbarjacks; Jeff Burton, Coyotes; Greg Allen, Monarchs; Rich Grochowski, Travelers; Ttom Keaty, Capitals; Lon Purdy, Hurricanes; Scott Phillips, Sluggers; George Sergot, Money Bags and Bob Olesen, Capitals.
Ken Smith and Andy Derus were the umpires.
The fun night included hot dogs and chips, a 50-50 raffle and fundraisers for local charities.
Sun City Softball Leagues standings after July 18 games
– The 16-inch evening league: Mustangs, 11-1; Lumbarjacks, 10-1; Travelers, 7-3; Adjusters, 7-5; Capitals, 3-8; Monarchs, 2-8; Coyotes, 2-8 and Hurricanes, 2-10.
– The Wednesday 12-inch evening league: Mobilizers, 4-0; Molars, 3-2 and Centurions, 0-5.
– The Thursday 16-inch morning league: Bucket Listers, 6-0; Sluggers, 1-3 and Money Bags, 0-4.
