The Robson Ranch Softball Club just wrapped up a very successful 2020 Winter season on and off the field.
The softball club continues its growth. The club was able to field four Robson teams in the winter league for the first time, with two teams apiece in the B and C divisions.
In the B Division, the Robson Ranch Raptors coached by Ken Muhlbeier, and the Robson Ranch Rebels coached by Mike Rains, finished respectively first and third in the regular season with both teams making it to the season ending league tournament championship game, won by the Raptors. Congratulations to the Raptors for capturing both championships! In addition, the B tournament team coached by Pat Kohls, had an impressive season playing in seven tournaments, winning one while finishing second twice and third twice.
In the C Division, Robson Ranch Roadrunners coached by Chris Wilson, and the Robson Ranch Renegades coached by Keith Uhlenbrauck, finished with identical records in a very competitive ten team league. The Roadrunners had the distinction of handing the only two defeats suffered all season by the regular season champ, the Sundance Mustangs. The C tournament team, coached by Brad Payne and Bruce Michaels, crushed it by winning two of the four tournaments they entered and finishing in second place once.
Off the field, several field improvements were made. Starting with the most obvious, the new scorer’s booth that provides protection from the elements for the volunteers who announce and score our games, as well as providing a great vantage point to see the game. In an awesome gesture, Ken Muhlbeier donated a sound system to the club in loving memory of his mother. In addition, pavers were installed in front of the maintenance building to provide a nice picnic area to gather after games.
At the end-of-season awards banquet, the club’s president, Bill Schaible, announced that the annual sportsmanship award has been renamed the “Dave Kimmelman Sportsmanship Award” in honor of Dave, who was also the recipient for 2020. Bill then presented Dave’s wife, Claudia, a shadow box containing his Robson Ranch jersey signed by all the players and volunteers.
Special thanks to all the volunteers that make the league even possible to operate. There are many volunteer jobs, including, but not limited to, announcer, scoreboard operator, score keeper, field preparation, and umpire. Thanks to Artie and Dixie Wachter for running Community Softball, which in many cases is the pipeline for a player to the competitive club. Thanks to the fans that came out and supported the Robson teams!
Starting April 1, the club moves to its summer practice schedule, with practices held on Tuesdays and Saturdays starting at 9 a.m., changing to 8 a.m. in May, June, July, and August, due to the heat.
Remember, you can always get the latest club information from the team website, www.robsonranchsoftball.com.