Tag: Softball

Mike Rains: Softball Profile

Ken Muhlbeier It is not difficult to understand how the Anaheim Angels would be the favorite team for young Mike Rains. Growing up in Orange County, Calif., would probably be a sufficient influence but his story has a much more interesting twist. Mike tells us that he lived near Angels stadium but there was one special…

Softball Player Profile: Bill Sturgeon

Ken Muhlbeier Bill Sturgeon’s softball experience at Robson Ranch began within days of moving into the community in 2015. “I was like a little kid peering through the fence watching a bunch of old guys practicing. Jim Duran was the first to come over and invite me to join in,” Bill said. Even though it…

Softball Profile: Brad Payne

Ken Muhlbeier It is little wonder that Brad Payne is a lifetime St Louis Cardinal fan. Born in Olney, Ill., a little over 100 miles from St Louis, the youngster soon found his favorite player, Lou Brock, the long-time left fielder for the Red Birds. Although Lou hit left-handed, Brad fashioned his right-handed batting style…

Softball Practice and Evaluations Are on the Way

Bill Schaible It is that time of year again when activities around the Ranch begin to pick up. Softball is no exception. It has been a very hot summer to say the least, but we have managed to get practice in throughout the summer. With the COVID-19 virus still affecting our nation, it is uncertain if…

Softball Player Profile: Bobby Skier

Bobby Skier’s story is one of “dedication and perseverance.”

Ken Muhlbeier Bobby Skier says his story is one of “dedication and perseverance.” Having four surgeries in nine years including both left and right rotator cuff repair, arthroscopic knee surgery, and just last May, lower back surgery. He credits lessons learned in Air Force flight school, beginning with the mantra “you never give up.” Despite…

Softball Profile: Bill Schaible

Softball Profile: Bill Schaible

Keith Bradley Just outside Flint, Mich., is the small town of Swartz Creek. It was here that Bill Schaible first played little league baseball. Like many other youngsters, his lack of success prompted him to turn his attention to other endeavors. “In four years of playing I think I got one hit,” he remarked. Golf,…

Softball Profile: Steve Andrews

Ken Muhlbeier The summer sun sets late in the evening in the small town of Graceville, Minn. As a young ballplayer, these last hours of daylight would often find Steve Andrews still practicing with his junior American Legion baseball team, honing skills he still uses today playing softball at Robson Ranch. Located near the joining…

Softball Profile: Tony Haffer

Ken Muhlbeier Born in the borough of Queens in New York City, it’s little wonder that Tony Haffer’s earliest baseball memory occurred in 1956, when his uncle just about swallowed his cigar leaping out of his chair. “He did it, he did it!” he exclaimed! “He” was N.Y. Yankee pitcher Don Larsen, and what he…

Softball Profile: Paul Lewinski

Paul Lewinski

Ken Muhlbeier Before Paul Lewinski became “Mr. Softball” at Robson Ranch, he was a struggling little league player in Schenectady, New York. When asked what position he played in little league, his response was “anywhere they could hide me.” Paul admitted he spent a good deal of time worrying less about performance on the field…

Community Softball Winners

Dixie and Artie Wachter The winners of the baseball contest at the Community Softball Party were Jean Goin and Nancy Glass. The girls beat out all the guys with answers to name that team. Here are a few of the 18 questions. 1. Heavenly Bodies_______________ 2. Beer Makers___________________ 3. Opera House___________________ 4. Huge Beings___________________ Good…