Grandkids abandon Xboxes and Nintendos for softball

This group of All Stars poses for a picture after a fun day of hitting, running, throwing and eating ice cream at the SaddleBrooke Softball Field; photo by Jim Smith.

This group of All Stars poses for a picture after a fun day of hitting, running, throwing and eating ice cream at the SaddleBrooke Softball Field; photo by Jim Smith.

Jim Smith

On a beautiful SaddleBrooke afternoon twenty one grandkids abandoned their XBoxes and Nintendo’s, electing instead to bring their parents and grandparents out to the ballpark for several hours of fun playing softball. The annual Easter/Spring Break event was sponsored by the SaddleBrooke Senior Softball Association (SSSA) and was held Saturday afternoon April 19 at the Softball Complex.

Games Director Steve Garceau was assisted by coaches Doug Sweetland, Steve Overhaugh, Joe Sanders, Debbie Seguin, Ron Romak, Paul Buchanan, Jim Weiss and Pat Tiefenbach, all members and players in the SaddleBrooke Senior Softball Association. Paul Buchanan’s Goofy Hat was a hit with grandkids and grandparents alike and Pat Tiefenbach served ice cream during a break in the action.

The grandkids ranged in age from Cecily Clines (22 months) to Essence Cash (14). The children participating in the games also included Cora, Colt and Charlotte Wichert, Jehiel (Deuce) Burke, Ben and Zack Peadiu, William Gormley, Alex and Ryan Pineda, Christina Seguin, Alex Reid, Brayden and Michael Reich, Caleb, Caitlin and Nathan Clines, Victoria Flynn, Eva LaMertayan and Anthony Jackson.

The grandkids were divided into three groups. Two groups initially went to the right and left outfield areas to work on throwing and catching skills. The third group hit softballs off a tee or was pitched to by Steve Garceau and Doug Sweetland. And after smashing balls past the coaches the kids ran off excess energy around the bases, each scoring a home run. After everyone had an opportunity to hit, run bases and participate in the throwing and catching drills, grandkids, parents and grandparents all gathered in center field where the grandkids received a ball from SSSA Board members and individual pictures as well as a large group picture were taken.

A slide show of photos from the event is available on the SSSA website: www.saddlebrookesoftball.com. Copies of individual photos can be obtained from Jim Smith at [email protected].

SaddleBrooke and SaddleBrooke Ranch residents interested in playing softball should contact Harold Weinenger at [email protected]. Our men and women enjoy playing softball year round. Spring season games start at 8:00 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Come on down to the park and catch the action!