Summer 2 Saturday  Standings

Saturday, September 20, 2025

Carrousel Travel - 10 Homesmart Camerons - 16

"Last game of the season and Homesmart won defeating Carrousel Travel 16-10 and also clinched the season Championship. It started out close with Homesmart ahead 3-2 entering the 3rd inning but Carrousel took a short lived 6-3 lead in the top of the 3rd. That only lasted until Homesmart batted in the bottom half and tied the game 6-6. After that they dominated scoring 10 Runs while Carrousel was only able to plate 4. Defensively we started out strong in the first inning, 2nd baseman Joe Osoweic making 2 assists fielding and throwing out the runners. The rest of the way Frank Sandomenico LF. make several very good catches in Left Field, one was called a hit because he was playing too shallow before the ball was hit. I call that excellent positioning but I don't make the rules. Mike Martin RC who not only ran down some fly balls, he also unassisted forced a runner out at second base. First time in my lifetime I witnessed an outfielder run full speed, not catch the fly ball but was able to beat the runner from first for the force. Offensively, Mike Martin led with a perfect 4-4 game, Double, 2 Runs Scored and 3 RBI. Joe Stempiewski had 3 Hits, Double, 3 Runs Scored and 2 RBI. Larry Radant and Sub. John Boland 2 Hits each, Radant 2 RBI and Boland Double, 2 Runs Scored and RBI. Kevin Katsuki also had 2 Hits, Walk and RBI. Dick Steiman, JIm Mathews, Frank Sandomenico, and Brian Walters all had a hit apiece. Steiman Run Scored, Sandomenico Walk, Double, Run Scored and RBI and Walters RBI. I I want to thank all my players for a great season, not because of how many games we won or lost but for how they played and worked together, it was my pleasure being their manager. Wish you all good luck in the rest of your time here in Sun City Grand playing softball, just in case we don't get together again as a team. Congratulations to this seasons winner Homesmart. "

The Camerons kept their own fate in their hands and with the 16-11 win over a tough Carrousel Travel team clinch the Saturday Summer 2 Championship.  The team finished strong with three straight wins to finish at 6-2.  All season long it was a complete team effort.  It wasn’t always smooth but most of the time everyone was on their game from pitching to offense to defense and today was no different.  Joel Breiner pitched a great game and maybe made the key defensive play of the game when he slowed down a line drive back up the middle that was a sure hit but was turned into a force out at second base to end a threat.  Jeff Nickerson continued his solid play at shortstop and Chip Stanczak made a nice diving catching in left field.  No one was perfect at the plate but when one person made an out there were two others that picked them up.  5 players went 3 for 4 led by Jeff (double, 2 triples, 3 runs, 3 RBI).  Joel tried to keep up (triple, 3 runs, 2 RBI).  And then at the top of the line-up, Chip (2 runs, 1 RBI) and Danny Wood (2 runs, 2 RBI) got the attack started subbing nicely for Howard Sumner and Jim Opyd.  Ken Silva (double, 4 RBI) could not cracked the three hit brigade but did go 2 for 3 with a sacrifice fly. Dorothy Mazur (2 runs) also went 2 for 3 with great hustle to beat out two grounders and keep two rallies alive.  Three others had a hit – Joe Eschenbrenner, playing on a balky hamstring doubled deep to left for an RBI and a run scored, Jerry Eastham reached base twice as he also walked, drove in a run and scored and then Paul Larson chipped in with his hit which drove in a run and then scored.  Everyone on Homesmart – if you hear “We Are The Champions” in your sleep, you deserve it.  You all had a great season and truly played as a team from top to bottom.  Thank you to our umpires – Curt Rhoades and Gary Finer, Scoreboard – John Bertholdy and our Scorekeeper – Eileen Figueroa.   And one final thank you to our Manager – Marty Jiminez.  He was not with us for the last three weeks as he moved to Texas, but it was his team.  He drafted it, he set up the line-up, determine where everyone was going to play and it was that leadership that led to the wins.

WaFd Bank - 9 Happy Ears Hearing - 6

WaFd beat a solid Happy Ears Team 9 to 6.  WaFd started with good hitting in the 1st, great hitting in the 2nd inning.  WaFd then coasted for a while, until the 7th inning when Jerry Easthan and Dick Steiman got hits and Jeff Nickerson drove them home.  A great ending for a great team.

On a nice day at the field the bats were cold. The team collected just 13 hits, with big hitter Bruce Lowe 3 for3 and 2 doubles, getting two hits was John Nicodemo. The season was fun and no one got hurt.

 Saturday, September 13, 2025



Carrousel Travel - 9 Happy Ears Hearing - 13

"A great game, a tough loss, Carrousel Travel ended up on the losing end of a 13-9 game VS Happy Ears. Happy Ears led 7-1 going into the bottom of the fourth but Carrousel scored 4 Runs and to make it 7-5. That Score lasted until the sixth when The Ears plated 4 Runs but The Travelers answered with 4 Runs in the bottom of sixth. In the seventh The very Happy Ears scored 2 Runs and then shut down Carrousel in the bottom half, which then made them the extremely Happy Ears. The defense did a very good job overall, with the infield of Bob Williams 3B,Craig Nelson SS, Kevin Katsuki Rov. and Jim Mathews 1B made several tough plays. Joe Osoweic at 2b had two very hard hit ground ball hit to his right, he caught them both and threw out the runners. The first was very good but the second impressed, Jay Schirpke hit a shot and Joe caught it and threw to first for the out. Throwing Schirpke out is rarer then an Artie Stackpole inside the Park Home Run and that was extremely rare in my 25 Years playing ball at Sun City Grand. The offense took three innings to get started but fought back to the point of having an excellent chance of winning the game. However Happy Ears was not about to let us, shutting us down in 4 innings and 1 Run in another. Mike Martin, Jim Mathews and Sub Dave Powers 3-3, Martin Triple, inside the Park Home Run, 2 Runs Scored and 2 RBI, Mathews RBI and Powers Run Scored and 2 RBI. Craig Nelson, Kevin Katsuki, Larry Radant and Bob Williams 2 hits each, Nelson Triple, Over the fence Home Run, 2 Runs Scored and a RBI, Katsuki Triple and 2 Runs Scored, Radant 2 Runs Scored and 2 RBI and Williams RBI. Dick Steiman and Joe Stempniewski contributed a hit apiece. Thanks to Judy Muller for filling in for J.J., thanks to the umpires who did a good job, even though I occasionally give them a hard time. Once again the people in the stands make it a fun game even when you lose."

On a beautiful day at the ballfield the Happy team came back from last weeks loss. Everyone got at least one hit out of the total of 23 hits and some really good defense, with Ted Grove doing a great job at rover. Getting 3 hits each were Bruce Lowe, Greg Roehm and Ted Grove. Getting 2 hits each were Jay Schirpke (triple), Tom Ranalls (triple), John Nicodemo , Curtis Rhoades , Don Trenda and Ray Hensley. Good pitching by Ray Hensley was another big factor in our win.

Homesmart Camerons - 15 WaFd Bank - 12

Homesmart Reality beat WaFd bank 15-12 in a well played game. Homesmart's outfield ( Jim Opyd LF, Howard Sumner LCF, John Boland RCF and Dorothy Mazur RF ) played a great game. They either made the catch of the fly ball or kept the ball from going between them. Homesmart had an over the fence, 2 run homerun by Joel Breiner followed by a Jeff Nickerson inside the park homerun in the first inning. Leading hitters were: Sub John Boland 3-3 2B, Joel Breiner 3-3 2B HR 5RBI's, Jeff Nickerson 3-3 1B HR 2RBI's, Sub Chip Stanczak 3-3 2-2B 3RBI's. Getting 2 hits each were: Howard Sumner, Jim Opyd, Joe Eschenbrenner and Jerry Eastham. Paul Larson and Ed Hart each added a hit.

WaFd Bank lost to a strong Homesmart team.  Every WaFd player got on base.  Gary Finer and Rick Armentano were 4 for 4 at the plate, Gary had 4 RBIs.  WaFd attempted a comeback in the 7th inning with 6 hits before Homesmart shut us down. 

 Saturday, September 6, 2025



Carrousel Travel - 11 WaFd Bank - 13

Carrousel Travel had a chance to not only win the game but also have a shot at winning the league. They fell short losing to WaFd (Washington Federal Bank) 13-11. The offense was led by Craig Nelson 4 for 4, a first inning over the fence Home Run, 2 Doubles. 2 RBI and 2 Runs Scored. Also 4 for 4 Joe Stempniewski, RBI and 4 Runs Scored. Mike Martin had 3 Hits an inside the park Home Run, 2 Runs Scored and 4 RBI. Larry Radant, Kevin Katsuki and Brian Walters had 2 Hits apiece, Radant Run Scored, Katsuki RBI and Walters Run Scored and RBI. Jim Mathews, Joe Osoweic and Frank Sandomenico had a Hit apiece, Mathews Double and RBI, Osoweic RBI and Sandomenico Run Scored. Defensively, Frank Sandomenico ran down several fly balls in Left Field, while Mike Martin also made some key catches in Left Center. Kevin Katsuski and Craig Nelson very good defense at Third Base and Shortstop. The game came down to the 7th inning with the tying run at first when the last out was recorded. Thanks again for everyone responsible for making this game fun. Umpires, Scorekeepers, Field Maintenance and my favorites "THE PEOPLE SITTING IN THE STANDS". Also, almost forgot the Players, Managers and Commissioners.

Wafd Bank led all the way to an 11 to 13 win over a good Carrousel Travel team.  Every WaFd player got on base.  John Hammel (2 doubles) and Tom Gibans (double) were perfect at the plate.  Gary Finer was 3 for 4 with a double.  Norris Carpenter and John Bertholdy were 2 for 3.  John Bertholdy had a double and Daren Proctor had a triple.  So far this session Ed Deussen is leading the team in runs scored with 10.

Homesmart Camerons - 18 Happy Ears Hearing - 13

A great bounce back win against a strong Happy Ears team as the Homesmart team held on for a 18-13 win and take over sole possession of first place with two games to play. The team came out strong with a big first inning but then it was not looking good as Happy Ears capitalized on some shaking defense in the first two innings to take a lead. I am sure Happy Ears will talk about it as they turned a triple play in the second inning that slowed down the Homesmart offense early. Homesmart then figured it out and outscored Happy Ears 14-2 and forced a flip flop in the 7th. Joel Breiner pitch a great game and fielded a couple hard grounders back at him. Home plate then started to move around on him a little bit in the 7th but he had a big lead to work with. Big defensive plays were a double play in the third inning by Jeff Nickerson to Paul Larson to Joel Last who made a great backhanded catch to cut down the runner at home. Joe Eschenbrenner made a nice catch a tag on a throw to third base when Happy Ears was mounting a comeback in the final inning. And then in the 4th with the Happy Ears big hitters coming up, Ken Silva running all over right center caught three straight fly balls. He wasn’t done as he caught two more in the top of 5th as he legged out a double. Other than the triple play, the offense was solid. 2 thru 7 in the line up went a combined 20 for 22, 15 runs, 14 RBI. 4 were perfect at the plate led by Ken 4 for 4 (2 doubles, 5 RBI), Jeff 4 for 4 (2 doubles, 2 triples, 4 RBI) and Joe 3 for 3 (3 singles, RBI). Not far behind but not perfect with three hits each were Joel B with 2 doubles, triple, RBI and Jim Opyd, 3 singles, RBI. Jerry Eastham chipped in with two singles while Howard Sumner (double, 2 RBI), Paul Larson (single) and Dorothy Mazur (single, RBI) each had a hit. Joel L had a walk and a RBI as everyone in the line up contributed to the win. Thank you to Dorothy for filling in the last three games and to Joel L for subbing. Although he is no longer playing, Homesmart will try to ensure Marty Jiminez is proud of his team in the final weeks.

The team came up short again this week, having 3 innings with no runs, but the team did collect 21 hits , with some good defense. Getting 3 hits each were Tom Ranalls (double), Curtis Rhoades , Greg Roehm, Ted Grove, and Don Trenda (double). Getting 2 hits each was Bruce Lowe. Next week game 8:15 Visitors.

 Saturday, August 23, 2025



Homesmart Camerons - 16 WaFd Bank - 8

"Another beautiful day for a ball game, a little humid but clear skies and plenty of sunshine. The Homesmart team came to play after last weeks loss. A combination of excellent defense and hot bats contributed to an all around win. Leading the hitting were Russ Figueroa 4/4, and Joe Eschenbriener 3/3, not far behind was Howard Sumner, Jim Oypd, Joel Briner, and Jeff Nickerson all went 3/4. Ken Silva and Jeff Nickerson both had Home Runs. Both the infield and outfield defense kept the WAFD team from any big rallies by consistently getting the lead runs out and two great throw outs at home by the Russ Figueroa, Ed Hart combo. Overall a game well played.

WaFd lost to a strong Homesmart team.  Everyone got on base today.  Rick Pearson played and hit well on his first game back.

Carrousel Travel - 6 Happy Ears Hearing - 9

"A tough loss today for Carrousel Travel, defeated by Happy Ears Marketing 9-6. They held a small lead after 3 innings 4-3 but then in fourth the very Happy Ears plated 4 Runs for a 7-4 lead. Then added to that with 2 more Runs in the fifth. The Traverlers got 2 Runs of their own in the sixth but were shut out in the seventh. Defensively, Frank Sandomenico made several very good catches in Left Field. The infield turned a much needed double play early on and then in the sixth a spectacular double play. A Base Hit turned into a double play on a great throw to the plate by Craig Nelson and an equally great catch by Dick Steiman and then Dick threw to third base and got the runner out. Offense was a little on the light side today but some of that was due to The Marketing team making some excellent defensive plays of their own. However, Craig Nelson was 3-3 with an over the fence 3 Run Home Run, also 2 Doubles, 2 Runs Scored and 3 RBI. Frank Sandomenico and Larry Radant both had 2 hits. Dick Steiman, Bob Williams, Jim Mathews, Joe Stempniewski, Brian Walters, Mike Martin and Kevin Katsuki added a Hit apiece. Martin Double and Sac Fly RBI, Walters RBI, Stempniewski RBI. "

Never give up and keep working together was the key to this win, for the team fell behind, but rallied in the 4th inning with 4 runs , along with some very good defense and very good pitching by Ray Hensley , NO walks. the team collected 20 hits with everyone getting at least one hit. Big hitters were Tom Ranalls going 4 for 4 and Curtis Rhoades going 3 for 3. Getting 2 hits each were John Nicodemo, Ted Grove, Barney Armstrong and Ray Hensley. 

 Saturday, August 16, 2025



Happy Ears Hearing - 13 Homesmart Camerons - 6

Well the Ears were sure happy today, for the team played a lot better than the previous week. The defense was very good and the team collected 23 hits. Getting 3 hits were Greg Allseitz, Bruce Lowe, Curtis Rhoades and Greg Roehm . Getting 2 hits each were Don Ranieri(2 for 2 with a triple and double), Frank Sandomenico, Ted Grove, Barney Armstrong and Wes Mason.

The temperature on the wall said 100 so it was plenty hot except for the Homesmart team’s bats that stayed indoors and enjoyed the air conditioning too long as they fell to a very good Happy Ears team 13-6.  At one point the Homesmart team made 10 straight outs – give credit to the defense but it was mostly the offense (or lack there of) as the team only hit .344 which would be great for a MLB team but not so much for a Grand Softball team.   4 players tried to get things going with two hits each led by sub Craig Nelson who had a 3 run homerun and 5 total RBIs/2 runs scored.  Howard Sumner, Jim Opyd and Ken Silva were the other three who also accounted for the other 4 runs.  Paul Larson, Russ Figueroa (RBI) and sub Sal Politi had the other three hits. Defensively Homesmart did not play bad, Happy Ears just did what they were supposed to do and found the holes in the defense and on a couple occasions a rock or two.  Sub Laura Johnson made a nice catch in right field and the infield turned a double play. 

WaFd Bank - 11 Carrousel Travel - 12

WaFd lost a hard fought game to a Carrousel Travel team that wouldn't give up.  WaFd had a solid lead going into the final inning.  Carrousel shut us down then scored 4 to win the game.  We were on base 20 times with 4 extra base hits.  Everyone contributed at the plate, hits and RBIs were spread across the lineup.

First I want to apologize to our sponsor, I have been calling them Carrousel Realty. That actually was done intentionally to protect the sponsor because we were 0-2 and they weren't pretty losses. So now that we won our first game I can call them by their real name. "Carrousel Travel" we defeated WaFd Bank 12-11 it wasn't only a close game but a very exciting down to the wire game. The Travelers were ahead by 1 Run after four innings then trailed the Bankers by 3 after six. So it came down to the seventh inning the defense and pitcher Larry Radant came through in the top and shut them out. Then in the bottom of the inning after two outs, the tying run at second base the winning run at first, the next four batters got on base and the winning run crossed the plate. Offensively, Pitcher Larry Radant was a perfect 4-4, 2 Runs Scored and 2 RBI. Frank Sandomenico, Craig Nelson and Joe Stemniewski had 3 Hits each, Sandomenico Run Scored, Nelson 2 Runs Scored, 2 Doubles and a RBI and Stempniewski 2 RBI. Subs. John Boland and Greg Roehm had 2 hits apiece, Boland Triple, 3 Runs Scored and a RBU, Roehm 3 Runs Scored and 2 RBI. Joe Osoweic also had 2 hits with a RBI. Bob Williams, Jim Mathews and Howard Sumner each got 1 hit, Sumner Walk, Double, Run Scored and RBI. Williams, Walk, RBI, tying Run, Mathews Walk, RBI, winning Run. Thanks, to Co-Mgr Judy Muller filling in for J.J., trying to keep me sane and score keeping too. Also the umpires for putting up with me and doing a great job and of course the score keeper and last but not least our opposing team who played exceptional defense and made our first victory a very tough one.

Saturday, August 9, 2025

WaFd Bank - 14 Happy Ears Hearing - 9

WaFd beat a solid Happy Ears team 14 to 9.  WaFd was on base 24 times with 7 extra base hits.  Ed Deussen had a hot bat, 4 for 4 with 3 doubles.  Going 3 for 4 were Laura Johnson, Gary Finer and Dan Newman, Laura had a triple.  Dave Nathe and John Hammel were 2 for 4.  Defensively we struggled at times, but Dave Nathe tracked down 3 fly balls in one inning, Laura pitched a good game and caught a hard line drive at a critical point in the game.  Just like Grand softball is supposed to be, it was a fun game.

The team collected 17 hits, but had a little trouble in the field to win this game, but we tried and did not give up. Getting 3 hits each were Ken Silva(triple), Curtis Rhoades(double and Barney Armstrong. Getting two hits each were John Nicodemo (double) and Jeff Nickerson(double). thanks to our 4 subs and Nancy Rhoades for keeping score.

Carrousel Travel - 2 Camerons Homesmart - 10

Not a very exciting game for Carrousel Realty, they were defeated by HomeSmart 10-2 The score was 8-0 after 3 inning, 10-1 after 5. The only positive we didn't get the mercy rule of 12 Runs called. The team only got 11 hits including 4 Doubles and 1 Walk and that was it for the offense. Frank Sandomenico accounted for 2 Hits and 1 Run Scored. Also with 2 Hits Joe Stempniewski and Larry Radant, Stempniewski Double and RBI, Radant, Double and Run Scored. Kevin Katsuki, Mike Martin, Sub. Gary Fine, Bob Williams and Jim Mathews all had a hit, Katsuki, Double, Martin, Double and Fine, RBI. After the Third inning we started to defensively shut them down where they only scored 2 more Runs, which was the same output as Carrousel. Can't explain it but we are definitely better than this, hopefully the bats will come alive next week.

It was another HOT morning at the ball field.  The Home Smart team again started slow, as they did last week when the middle and bottom of the batting order got things doing in the bottom of the 2nd with 4 runs.  Not wanting to be outdone, the top of the batting order got 4 runs in the top of the 3d.  In the 4th, Carousel Travel push across a run in there portion of the inning, only to be answered with 1 run from Home Smart in the bottom of the inning.  Home Smart scored another run in the 5th and held the Travelers to zero runs until the top of the 7th, where they were only able to score one more run.  Overall, Home Smart played very good defensive ball and scored just enough runs to keep the other team pressing to catch up.  It was another GREAT effort by the Home Smart Team.

 Saturday, August 2, 2025

Happy Ears Hearing - 14 Carrousel Travel - 7

The first game of the season turned out successful for the Happy team, for they collected 25 hits and played some really good defense, both in the outfield and infield, a team effort. Getting 4 hits were John Nicodemo and Curtis Rhoades. Getting 3 hits each were Jay Schirpke, John Boland, Bruce Lowe and Ted Grove. Getting 2 hits was Barney Armstrong. Ray Hensley pitched a really good game, backed by the defense.

"Happy Ears came out of the gate running and took a 4-0 lead but by the end of the third the score was 8-5. Since we were the home team things were looking okay. After that Ears were really happy, scoring six runs over the last 4 innings while holding The Realtors to 2 Runs.
Offensively, Kevin Katsuki, Craig Nelson, Mike Martin, Larry Radant and Sub. Brian Walker all had 2 Hits. Katsuki Double and Run Scored, Nelson Double, 2 Runs Scored and RBI, Martin Triple, Run Scored and 2 RBI and Sub. Brian Walker Sac Fly, 2 Runs Scored and 2 RBI. Frank Sandomenico, Joe Stempniewski, Bob Williams, Jim Mathews and Dick Steiman each added a Hit. Sandomenico, Double, Run Scored and RBI, Williams RBI, Mathews Walk and RBI. Defensively Dick Steiman at Catcher, caught a high foul ball pop-up and also made a nice catch on a throw to the plate to get a runner out. Overall it was a well played game, the problem was we failed to score in the first, the fourth, sixth and seventh innings."

Camerons Homesmart Realty - 10 WaFd Bank - 4

"The game started slow with neither team scoring in the first two innings. Home Smart broke the deadlock scoring 4 runs in the top of the 3rd inning, with WAFD going scoreless in the bottom of the inning. Home Smart scored 3 more runs in the 5th and the 7th to go into the bottom of the 7th with a 6-run lead. The Home Smart defense, which had been playing excellent all game long, again held WAFD to no runs in the 7th. The Home Smart team held WAFD to only 4 runs thru some great pitching by Joel Breiner and outstanding defense from all the infielders and outfielders. Home Smart collected 19 hits with all the players getting a least one hit, and Joel Breiner, Jeff Nickerson, Ken Silva, and Jim Oypd carrying the load with 11 hits and 10 rbi's between them. Thank you to Mike McGuinn for subbing and playing a good game at 2nd.
"
WaFd lost the session opener to a strong Cameron's - Home Smart team.  In the 6th inning Gary Finer led off with a double and the team put 4 hits together and scored its only 4 runs of the game.  Gary Finer, Don Ranieri, Ed Deussen, John Hammel, Mike Kacurak and Laura Johnson all went 2 for 3, Gary had a double.  It was a tough start for WaFd, but they are an outstanding team that will not be held down.