It’s a hit when Golder Ranch Firefighters show the kids how a real fire truck works; photo by Jim Smith.
Jim Smith
The SaddleBrooke Senior Softball Association (SSSA) sponsored its annual Thanksgiving Grandkids’ Games on Friday, November 27 at the Softball Complex. Games Director Steve Garceau was assisted by Coaches Pat Tiefenbach, Jake Jacobson, Doug Sweetland, Roy Steigers, Mark Schauer, Rich Battagello, Ron Quarantino, Denise Norgard, Gus Marano and photographer Jim Smith.
Twenty-five grandkids participated, ranging in age from Sydney Duthler (2 1/2) to Ryan Muto and Amanda Schroeder (11). Others participating in the games were Hunter and Dalton Dillon, Trevor, Kieraand Gwen Duthler, Ethan and Colton Krause, Jack Irwin, Rachel Schroeder, Sophia and Elijah Venetiou, Orion and Caleb Schoenberg, Max and Ben Jacobsen, Keira and Faith Bivens, Cara Ann Insley, Elijah and Noah Hart and Eli and Liam Jacobson.
The grandkids were divided into several groups, with some kids receiving instruction on throwing, catching and base running while another group hit softballs either off a tee at home plate or were pitched to by Roy Steigers or Doug Sweetland. For many of the younger kids it was their first experience hitting a softball and running the bases. After each grandchild had an opportunity to work out at each station, kids, parents, grandparents and coaches gathered in center field for group pictures. Following the center field activities the kids (and some parents and grandparents) enjoyed ice cream courtesy of SaddleBrooke Community Church. To close out the event several of the parents and grandparents also took a turn at bat.
In addition to softball action, a highlight of the event was a visit with a fire engine and crew from the Golder Ranch Fire District. The kids were able to examine the outside and climb through the cab of the fire engine while the crew explained many of the firefighting and rescue features of the vehicle.
Photos from the event, as well as more information about SaddleBrooke Senior Softball, are available on the softball website at saddlebrookesoftball.com. Anyone interested in playing may contact current president Stu Kraft at 825-1466 or [email protected]. Everyone is always welcome at the field to see a game or join us in one of our practice sessions.