GO PLAY

stepping up to the plate

Residents enjoy softball competition

written by JAMES ANDERSON

photography by MARTIN PEREA

Looking to relive the glory days or just go out for some fun, the Gilbert Parks and Recreation Department has a softball league for everyone.

Sean Carlin, supervisor for the recreation department, says games are played six nights a week at Freestone Park. There are more than 130 teams in 15 leagues, playing in divisions ranging from the serious men (men’s B) to coed recreational (co-rec D).

“Softball is our bread and butter,” Carlin says. “We run three seasons a year. It is big sports stuff for us and a lot of people in the community.”

About half the teams are co-rec, and one family that has enjoyed the coed divisions is the Shaneyfelts. Jim and Barb Shaneyfelt have lived in Gilbert for 16 years and have made softball a part of their lives.

Two of their daughters grew up around the fields and took part in the city’s youth leagues and now regularly play with Jim and Barb on their team.

Barb,

Stacey and Jim Shaneyfelt.

been fun to see them grow up and keep playing,” Barb Shaneyfelt says. “We like to just play and have a good time.”

Barb and Jim Shaneyfelt both played sports in high school and they began their recreational softball careers on local church teams. Now, even though Barb Shaneyfelt’s playing has decreased after her knee replacement surgery, the couple is a stalwart in coed leagues.

“In my younger days I played in a women’s A league, but that’s not for me anymore,” says Barb Shaneyfelt, 53. “Now I have fun going out and rooting for my husband and daughters. I can still bat if they need somebody but I don’t get around the bases very well.”

With the popularity of softball in Gilbert, and the fact there are only four fields at Freestone Park, leagues fill fast and the parks and recreation department is forced to have a team lottery each year.

Priority is given to teams with a large number of Gilbert residents. A roster with 75 percent Gilbert residents is given Priority 1 status.

“Leagues fill up every season,” Barb Shaneyfelt says. “Every team has to go in the lottery and there have been a couple times we’ve had to sweat it out if we’d even get in.”

Carlin says most of the teams are out to have fun and the department tries to match them with teams of equal skill level.

“If you are playing in a lower division and your team isn’t very good, it’s nice to play against teams that aren’t very good as well,” he says. “We get a lot of new players coming in each season, so we cater to the rec teams.”

There are 15 leagues that run in each season (winter, spring and fall). League fees vary depending on team residency and if the league is going to be single games or double-headers. Each league finishes with a single-elimination tournament.

Those interested in the city’s recreational softball program can call (480) 503-6200, email parks@ci.gilbert.az.us or visit the website at www.ci.gilbert.az.us/parks/. g

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CT Scans Available 24 / 7

At Gilbert Hospital, patients can come in for a CT scan any time of the day, at their convenience. And whenever they come by, the wait time is always minimal.

CT scans, or computed tomography, are three-dimensional x-rays that show detailed pictures of structures inside the body. CT scans can be used to study any body organ or blood vessels, bones and the spinal cord.

Other diagnostic services at Gilbert Hospital include x-ray, MRI, ultrasound and nuclear medicine. For more information about CT scans or other diagnostic services, call the hospital at (480) 984-2000.

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(480) 984-2000 5656 S. Power Road, Gilbert, AZ 85236 www.gilberter.com