There have been many memorable seasons in Sun City softball, but the recently completed 2015 one soared over the top.
Glenn Groebli, president of the Softball Club, described it this way: This year was truly a “season of seasons” as 23 teams from three leagues suffered through 51 rainouts. This was a record for the number of rainouts in the history of Sun City Softball.
The Thursday Morning League had seven teams competing with the Heaters (sponsored by Huntley Heating) just edging out the Cutters (Chris Lawn Care) for first place. In the 12-inch Wednesday Night League of four teams, Holey Molars (sponsored by Bay Hill Dental) took first over the Senior Swingers, sponsored by Heritage Woods).
The 16-inch Evening League had 12 teams competing in two divisions (American and National). The Travelers (sponsored by Huntley Travel) started out strong and never looked back as they took first place in the National League in the regular season. The American League saw three teams fight it out to the last weekend with the Duelers (Drendel’s Corner) outlasting the Adjusters (Binger Chiropractic) and the Lumbar Jacks (Moffet Therapy).
Then came the 16-inch tournament in September. The playoffs consisted of the top four teams in each division competing in a single-elimination tourney. The final two survivors were the Travelers and the Mustangs. Then things got really interesting.
“As the sun slowly set over Eakin Field, it was only fitting that the championship playoff game on September 6 for the 16-inch league should end in a manner that was not normal,” Groebli said. “The Travelers and Mustangs played a game that will long be remembered. It was a game of great defense and clutch hitting. The Travelers had the game in hand, winning 6-4 with two outs in the bottom of the 9th and final inning.”
The Travelers were one out away from their first title.
“But the Mustangs had the tying runs on 2nd and 3rd,” Groebli said. “We have all heard of the ‘luck of the Irish.’ Well, it happened again. Tom O’Leary stepped up and drilled a single to left center, scoring both runners, to tie the game. The contest rolled on into extra innings. The 10th went by with nobody scoring. So did the 11th. No one scored in the 12th. Now the sun was no longer visible and the game was suspended. Do we continue the game the following evening, or do we play it over in its entirety?
“After discussions with the League, the managers agreed to be co-champions. It was a fitting end to a season filled with surprises. There were between 200 to 300 people in the stands, and they all stayed until past sunset and the end of the game,” Groebli said. “There were three pitchers in the game. Sam Geati and Tom Wiza threw for the Travelers, and Gus Zimmer hurled the whole game for the Mustangs. The game started at 5:30 p.m. and was called at about 7:15 p.m.
“It was the first championship for both teams,” Groebli said. “Thanks to all the fans that came out to not only support their teams. A large number of fans came out just to watch some good, solid senior softball. Most nights the stands were very crowded and a few of the teams had supporters that made up cheers for their team. The support we received was unbelievable and win or lose, everyone went home happy.”
Club members celebrated their annual golf outing (yes, folks, softballers really do play golf), and will hold their annual banquet at Boulder Ridge tonight.
