3 minute read
Senior Softball Opens its Silver Season
from May 2024 Compass
by LincolnHills
David Wright, Roving Reporter
Lincoln Hills Senior Softballers’ favorite color may very well be silver. Not only does it describe the hair color of most of the players, but this year, the league celebrates its Silver Season.
Shortly after our community opened 25 years ago, an informal group of 30 residents took the field at McBean Park. With enough players for two full teams, the Lincoln Hills Senior Softball League was born. The league managed to secure corporate backers for both teams, Placer Sierra Bank and A.G. Edwards Investments. The squads played against each other and developed early rivalries with Sun City Roseville ballclubs. Right off the bat, the players knew this diamond-in-the-rough league was warming up to become something special.
In 2001, the club moved its home base to our brand-new, state-of-the-art gem—Del Webb Field. During the past quarter of a century, the league has expanded to over 200 players, umpires, scorers, dirt draggers, and support volunteers. The co-ed recreation league now fields ten teams—each named for its commercial sponsor. Adding the Coyotes travel team, the Sun Eagles tournament team, an all-women’s division, and a “funball” program, the league offers spectators the best entertainment money can’t buy.
Though there is a long and distinguished list of notable players, Dick Stancoff stands out as the last original member still actively playing in the rec league. This season, the 87-year-old youngster again steps up to the plate—motivated by both the physical conditioning and the friendships. “It’s a wonderful organization with lots of great people. The league grows better every year,” Dick says.
But the Senior Softball League is not just about the game. The club prides itself on going to bat for the community. Hot Dog Days are held at least four times throughout the season. Since 2004, ballpark “franksters” have manned the grill to serve up the “Famous Real Meal Deal.” All proceeds benefit the Lincoln Hills Foundation and the athletic programs of our three city high schools—Lincoln, Phoenix, and Twelve Bridges. This year the league plans to present $1,000 checks to each school. Additionally, every Christmas, the league buys gifts for the children of Beale AFB’s deployed Airmen.
Few current members will still be on the rosters when the Lincoln Hills Senior Softball League scores its second 25-year run. But you can bet that they will be passing the bat to the next generation of silver-topped superstars waiting on deck.
