SUN CITY – A spirited comeback effort by the National League all-stars was unfortunately not enough, and the American League team took the 2013 Sun City Senior Softball All-Star Game.
The National League began a late rally, but the American League won 8-5 by forcing an out at home plate. Of course, the final score was not important to many residents who came out to meet neighbors and have a good time.
A runner from the American plate. (Mason Souza/Sun Day Photo
“That was my recreation – to go out there and cheer ’em on and egg ’em on, tease the umpires, do whatever was necessary to make it a fun situation,” Jack Gilhooly, softball fan from N. 12, said.
Residents added their own color commentary, but loudest among them was Terry Hora, N.16. Hora serves as an announcer for regular season games and brought his best material to this year’s all-star affair.
A Sun City flag-bearer carries color guard ceremony. (Mason Souza/Sun Day Photo)
“I do it because it seems like everybody else has fun when I do it,” he said. “They seem to enjoy the comments I make; when I mispronounce a name, they let me know.”
Hora, who used to play in the Sun City leagues but has been hampered in recent years by medical issues, said he is “getting the itch” and hopes to play again soon.
The evening drew a large crowd and included other attractions, including a booth for Neighborhood Watch/Neighbors Helping Neighbors committee, a large running train set by the Sun City Kishwaukee Valley & Eakin Creek Model Railroad Club, and free hot dogs, water, chips, and ice cream.
The all-star game was preceded by a two-inning game between first responders from Huntley’s Fire Protection and Police Districts and members of First Service Residential Management and Neighborhood Watch volunteers.
The First responders took the game with a lopsided victory
