2025 Fall Central League Game Summaries

Game Summaries – Dec 18 

Game 1 Team Peterson jumped out to an early 12-6 lead and then hung on as Peace Smoke Shop scored 8 runs in the last 3 innings but falling short as the realtors won their second game by a score of 17-14. There were several stars for Peterson – manager Greg Roberts had 2 doubles and 3 rbis – Dave Sherck was 4/4 – Adding to the cause with 3 hits each were sub Tim Burke, Ron McLean, Don Walter, and Henry Simon. Larry Huber tripled and had 4 rbis. Mike Hall doubled with 3 rbis. For the smokers Mark Merkley, Tim Dixon and Jim Granucci (double) were 4/4. Greg McCullough and John Visser were 3 for 4 with 4 rbis each. Mark Losordo doubled. 

Game 2 This was a low scoring affairs as S C Collectibles remained unbeaten by edging Daily Independent 8-6. Mark Merkley led the way with a triple, 3 hits and 3 rbis. Gary Willis was 3/3 with a double. For the reporters sub Don Walters was 3/3. Doubles by Chris Johnsen and Tim Burke. 

Game 3 This was a donnybrook as John Dykema singled to center field driving in the winning run in the bottom of the 7 th giving Big O Tires an 18-17 victory over Cooks Tour, despite the chefs scoring 6 runs in the top of the 7 th . Pacing the tiremen was shortstop Steve Sanderson 5/5 with a double and John Dykema 5/5 with 3 rbis. With 4 hits were John Nickowski (double, 3 rbis) and Gary Francois. Banging out 3 hits were Ricky Grulke, Dale Gressman, Perry Tasky and manager Steve Krueger. The chefs’ leaders were newcomer Dave Tucek (4/4), Rich Murray (3 hits, triple), Ronnie Guest (3 hits, double), Adding 3 hits were Randy Benson, Mark Kisala, Jane Trotta, and Gordy Tanner (3 rbis). 

 Game Summaries – Dec 15 

Game 1 This was a very competitive game between 1 st and 2 nd place teams as SC Collectibles outhit Big O Tires 33-32 and outscored them 20-16. The difference was in Big O having as many errors as hits – dropped fly balls in the outfield and infield and wild throws. For Collectibles 9 of the 11 players drove in at least one run – a real team effort. Leading the way with 4/4 days were Gabe Medina, Ricky Grulke, and Jim Slager (double) and Mark Merkley (2 doubles). With 3 hits were Rob Shewfelt (triple), Gary Willis, Doug Terpstra (double), and Rich Pass (double). Maria Medina tripled. For Big O Jack McCormack was 5/5 with a homerun and 5 rbis. John Dykema was 4/4. Banging out 3 hits were Gary Francois, Dave Jacobs, Perry Tasky, and manager Steve Krueger. Jim Sanders doubled. 

Game 2 Daily Independent won their 3 rd consecutive game as they put a mercy defeat on Peace Smoke Shop 20-10. Stars of the day were Chuck Ryder (4/4, double, 5rbis), Don Jenkins (4/4, 3 rbis), and Chris Johnsen (4/4, double). With 3 hits were Rick Chupek, Tim Burke, and Frank Faciano. Derek Sobczyk doubled. For the smokers Murray Hobert was 4/4, Greg McCullough tripled and drove in 3 runs, and Curt Holub, Dennis Robins, and Helen Balabanis hammered 3 hits each. Sub Scott Mitchell doubled. 

Game 3 Team Peterson emerged from their hitting slump banging out 22 hits, but falling short as Cooks Tour scored 4 runs in the last inning to come away with a 19-13 victory. Pacing the chefs were Helen Balabanis (4/4, 4 rbis), Ronnie Guest 4/4. With 3 hits were Randy Benson (double), Rich Murray (2 doubles), John Iacobino (double), and Mark Kisala. Gordy Tanner doubled with 3 rbis. The realtors’ star players were Ted Sindlinger (4/4, double, 3 rbis), manager Greg Roberts (4/4, triple) Ron McLean was 3 for 4 and there were doubles by Dave Sherck and Christi Nunes. 

Game Summaries - Dec 11 

Game 1 It is difficult to find a more lopsided softball game than this one – everything went right for Daily Independent and wrong for Team Peterson as the Reporters outhit the Realtors 27-7 and outscored them 14-0. Rick Chupek was 3/3 with 2 doubles & 3 rbis. Others who were 3 for 3 include John Nickowski (double), Chuck Ryder, Tim Burke, & Mike Milts. Doubles by Chris Johnsen, Don Jenkins, and Sue Oberg. For Peterson Greg Roberts and Ron McLean were 2/2. Sub Dave Alleman doubled. 

Game 2 This was another mercy game with first place Sun City Collectibles hammering Cooks Tour 18-6. For the collectors Phil Cea was 3/3, double, 3 rbis. Other 3 hitters were Gabe Medina (double, 3rbis), Mark Merkley (homerun, triple, 3rbis), Doug Terpstra (double), Ricky Grulke (double), and Larry Thorson. For the chefs, Rich Murray doubled and tripled and Larry Ware homered! 

Game 3 Tim Dixon singled to center field driving in the winning run in the bottom of the 7 th inning as Peace Smoke Shop edged Big O Tires 13-12. Leading the pack with 3 hits were Curt Holub (double), Murray Hobert (3rbis), Jim Granucci, Dennis Robins (double) and Larry Chapman. Jon Visser had 4 singles. Pacing Big O was Jack McCormick with 3 hits, double, homerun, 3rbis. Adding to the tiremen’s offense with 3 hits were Steve Sanderson (triple), John Dykema, sub Greg Burgato (double, homerun). Larry Ware doubled. 

Game Summaries – Dec 8 

Game 1 In maintaining their hold on first place, Sun City Collectibles scored in every inning en route to a 17-12 win over Peace Smoke Shop. The leading hitters for the collectors were Mark Merkley 3 doubles, 4 rbis – 4/4 for Gary Willis, Gabe Medina & Ricky Grulke (double) – Doug Terpstra (triple) & manager Rob Shewfelt were 3 for 4 – Larry (Cuz) Thorson doubled. The smokers had 5 players with 3 hits – Curt Holub, Jim Granucci, Dennus Robins, Tim Dixon and Larry Chapman. Helen Balabanis tripled. 

Game 2 Only one team showed up for this game as Daily Independent mercied Cooks Tour by a 17-6 margin. Leading the way was Derek Sobczyk who was 3/3, 2 doubles, 4 rbis. Other contributors were Chris Johnsen 3 for 4, double triple; Chuck Ryder 4/4 (triple); Don Jenkins 4/4, 3 rbis; John Nickowski 3 for 4, double; manager Mike Milts 3/3; Tim Burke doubled. For the cooks John Iacobino was 3/3 – Rich Murray doubled; Phil Cea tripled 

Game 3 All the runs in this contest were scored in the first 5 innings with 30 hits by each team and Big O Tires outscoring Team Peterson 19-17. Paving the way for Big O were Jack McCormick and Dale Gressman 4/4, double 3 rbis – Steve Sanderson was 4/4 with a triple – Dave Jacobs was 4/4 & manager Steve Krueger was 3/3. With 4 hits each for the realtors were Don Walter (3rbis), Jan Mandell & Cristi Nunes (3rbis) – With 3 hits each were Greg Roberts, Ron McLean, & Dave Sherck. 

Game Summaries – Dec 4 

Game 1 Steve Sanderson scored all the way from first base on a game-ending single by Rawn Mitchell as Big O squeaked by Daily Independent 13-12 in the bottom of the 7 th inning. Sub Dave Alleman was 4/4 and sub Doug Terpstra doubled, driving in 4 runs. Other contributors with 3 hits each were Jack McCormack, Dale Gressman, Steve Sanderson (double, triple), and Rawn Mitchell. John Dykema tripled. For the reporters sub Tom Blattner was 3 for 4 with 3 rbis. Pitcher John Nickowski had 3 hits and manager Mike Milts doubled. 

Game 2 This was another nail-biter as Greg McCullough singled to drive in the winning run in the bottom of the 7 th to bring Peace Smoke Shop a 19-18 come-from-behind victory over Cooks Tour. The big boomer for the peaceniks was Curt Holub who was 5/5, grand slam HR and EIGHT rbis! Jim Granucci and Dennis Robins were also 5/5. Sub Scott Mitchell was 4/4. With 3 hits were Murray Hobert (3 rbis), Jon Visser, and Helen Balabanis. For the disappointed chefs Randy Benson, Tim Davis and Larry Ware (3 rbis, double) were 4/4. Rich Murray, John Iacobino and Ronnie Guest were 3 for 4 each with a double. Mark Kisala had 3 hits. 

Game 3 Collectibles remained undefeated but were strongly contested by last-place Team Peterson, emerging with a 14-10 win. Gabe Medina, Mark Merkley (double), and Phil Cea (double) knocked out 3 hits each. Gary Willis and Ricky Grulke doubled. Doug Terpstra drove in 4runs. Solid defense by Maria Medina. The realtors were paced by Ted Sindlinger 4/4. 2 doubles, 3 rbis, solid defense. Ron McLean was 3/3 with 4 rbis. Don Walter (double) and sub Jack McCormick banged out 3 hits each. Eliut Gonzalez made 2 awesome catches in left field. 

Game summaries - Dec 1 

Game 1 A jubilant Team Peterson won their first game with a solid victory over Peace Smoke Shop punctuated by timely hitting and good defense. Leading the pack with 4/4 were Ted Sindlinger (triple) and Greg Roberts (double). With 3 hits were Ron McLean (double, 4 rbis), Don Walter (double), Larry Huber (double). Eliut Gonzalez drove in 3 runs. Good defense by Ted Sindlinger and Henry Simon For the peaceniks Jim Granucci was 4/4, double 3 rbis as was Jon Visser 4/4. With 3 hits were Curt Holub (double). Murray Hobert drove in 3 runs. 

Game 2 This was a back and forth contest until Big O scored 4 runs in the top of the 6 th to pull away with a 14-10 win over Cooks Tour. Dale Gressman and sub Chris Johnsen (2 doubles) were 4/4. Contributing 3 hits were Jack McCormick, Steve Sanderson (3 rbis), John Dykema (3 rbis), David Jacobs (double, and Perry Tasky. For the cooks with 3 hits each were Randy Benson, Rich Murray (3 rbis), Tim Davis, and sub Mike Hall (3 rbis). 

Game 3 This game ended mercifully after 6 innings as 1 st place S C Collectibles shellacked Daily Independent 14-2. Gary Willis led the way with 4 hits including a double and triple. Mark Merkley had an HR and 5 rbis. Rob Shewfelt and Gabe Medina contributed 3 hits each. Doug Terpstra tripled and played a solid 3B. For the reporters Chris Johnsen was 3 for 3 and made some good plays at shortstop. 

Game Summaries – Nov 24 

Game 1 Daily Independent scored early and often as they banged out a 13-7 victory over winless Team Peterson. John Nickowski led the reporters with 3 hits, a triple and 5 rbis – Chris Johnsen was 4/4 with a double. Others with 3 hits were Rick Chupek, Derek Sobczyk (double) – Doubles by Chuck Ryder and Frank Faciano. The realtors were led by doubles by Christy Nunes (2), Greg Roberts, Ted Sindlinger (2), Kirk Stanphil, and Eliut Gonzalez. Larry Huber drove in 3 runs 

Game 2 Big O Tires maintained their hold on 2 nd place by outscoring Peace Smoke Shop 15-11. The tiremen were paced by pitcher Bob Hamilton who was 3/3, double. triple, 3 rbis. John Dykema (double) & David Jacobs were 4/4. Adding 3 hits to the cause were Dale Gressman (double) and sub Sue Oberg (double) The smokers’ leaders were Curt Holub (3 for 4) and manager Larry Chapman 3/3, triple, 3 rbis 

Game 3 SC Collectibles remained unbeaten with a mercy drubbing of Cooks Tour 13-3. Gary Willis, Gabe Medina (triple, 3rbis) and Jim Slager were 3 for 3. Rich Pass doubled. The cooks leader was Ronnie Guest who was 3/3 with a double. 

Game Summaries - Nov 17 

Game 1 This was a mercy game as Big O brought their hot bats and Daily Independent didn’t – final score 16-5. David Jacobs was 4/4 with a double. Players with 3 hits were Bob Hamilton, Dan Frank and Steve Sanderson (2 doubles) – Dale Gressman drove in 4 tuns. For the newspaperpersons John Nickowski was 3/3 and Chuck Ryder doubled 

Game 2 Team Peterson scored 5 runs in the 7 th inning but it wasn’t enough as first place S C Collectibles won by a score of 16-11. The collectors were led by shortstop Gary Willis - 4/4 with a triple and 4 rbis. Other contributors included Gabe Medina 3 hits and a double; Rickie Grulke 3/3, double 3 rbis and solid defensive plays – Chuck Ryder & Jim Slager popped 3 hits – Doug Terpstra tripled; Mark Merkley doubled. For Peterson sub John Nickowski slammed a double & triple, driving in three. Jan Mandell was 4/4 with a double – Ron McLean had 3 hits with a double – Ted Sindlinger and Kirk Stanphill doubled. 

Game 3 Rich Murray singled to center field to drive in the winning run in the bottom of the 7 th inning as Cooks Tour edged the Peace Smokers 10-9!! Rich Murray was 4/4 - Tim Davis was 3/3 with 3 rbis – Tom Blattner doubled, driving in 3 runs – quasi-manager Larry Chapman was 3/3. For the Peaceniks Mark Merkley (double) and Jim Granucci banged out 3 hits each – newcomer Greg Brugato doubled. 

Game Summaries - Nov 13 

Game 1 Cook’s Tour scored 5 runs in the top if the 7 th inning to run away with a 20- 15 victory over Big O Tires. Leading the pack for the chefs were Randy Benson 5/5, 2 doubles – Tom Blattner & Rich Murray 4/5, double – Larry Ware 4/4, 3 rbis – with 3 hits were Mark Kisala (triple), Rickie Toland, Tim Davis, Ronnie Guest & John Iacobino. For Big O John Dykema was 4/4. 3rbis – Jim Sanders 4/4, double – Banging out 3 hits each were newcomer Greg Burgato, Steve Sanderson (double) & Dale Gressman (double). 

Game 2 Tony Hanlin singled to drive in the winning run as the Peace Smoked edged by Team Peterson 11-10. Trailing 10-0 at one time the realtors scored 5 runs in the top of the 7 th inning to tie the game 1t 10-10. Heading the stars for the smokers were Curt Holub, double, Jim Grannuci & Larry Chapman with 3 hits. The realters were paced by Ron McLean 3 for 4, double – chipping in with 3 hits each were Christi Nunes (double), Ted Sindlinger (triple), Greg Roberts (double) and Kirk Stanphill. 

Game 3 S C Collectibles kept their hold on 1 st place with a mercy beating of Daily Independent 19-9. Manager Rob Shewfelt was 4/4, triple, 4 rbis – Mark Merkley was 4/4 double, triple 3 rbis – Gary Willis was 4/4 – those with 3 hite were Doug Terpstra (double), Maria Medina, Rich Pass & Rickie Grulke – Larry Thorson doubled. The reporters were paced by Rick Chupek, Chris Johnsen (triple), John Nickowski & Tim Burke (double, 3 rbis) with 3 bingles. 

Game Summaries - Nov 10 

Game 1 This game was close until the Cooks exploded for 8 runs in the last 2 innings as they outlasted Team Peterson 21-14. The big hitter for the Cooks was Tom Blattner who was 4/4, 2 doubles 6 rbis! Mark Kisala was 4/4, 3rbis – those with 3 hits included Rich Murray, double, 3rbis; John Iacobino, double;, Tim Davis, Gordy Tanner and manager Rickie Toland. For the realtors Ted Sindlinger was 4 for 4; Greg Roberts was 3/3, 2 doubles, triple; Henry Simon was 3/3; Kirk Stanphill tripled. 

Game 2 Undefeated Collectibles had their chances but failed to score in the last 2 innings as Big O Tires rallied to earn a 17-17 tie after 8 innings! As a team the Collectors hammered 30 hits, highlighted with several stars – Mark Merkley 4/4, HR, 5 rbis – Gary Willis 4/4, double – manager Rob Shewfelt 4/4, HR – Doug Terpstra 4/4, double – 3 hits contributed by Gabe Medina, 3 rbis and Phil Cea. Pacing Big O were Steve Sanderson 5/5, HR, 4 rbis; Dale Gressman 4/5, double – Bob Hamilton 3 hits, double, triple – Rawn Mitchell 4/5 – 3 hits added by manager Steve Krueger, Dan Frank and Ron McLean, double. 

Game 3 This was a squeaker as Peace Smoke Shop scored 7 runs in the 7 th inning to edge Daily Independent 15-13. Curt Holub led the smokers with a 4/4, 2 double day. Dennis Robins was 4/4; Jim Granucci ¾, 3 rbis; Tony Hanlin and Helen Balabanis had 3 hits each. The reporters had their chances in the bottom of the 7 th , but fell short. Sub Mark Merkley was 4/4 – Frank Faciano had 3 hits, double, triple. Chris Johnsen, Tim Burke (double) and Don Jenkins, (double) added 3 hits each, Chuck Ryder drove in 3 runs. 

Game Summaries – Nov 6 

Game 1 Daily Independent scored 4 runs in 5 separate innings on their way their first win, a 20-10 victory over Team Peterson. Pacing the newspapermen were Larry Huber 4/4, 2 doubles, 3rbis – Don Jenkins 3/3, double, triple – Rich Pass 3/3, triple, 3rbis – contributing 3 hits were Rick Chupek, John Nickowski, Chuck Ryder and Derek Sobczyk. For Peterson manager Greg Roberts drove in 4 runs – Ron McLean was 4/4 & Ted Sindlinger had 3 hits and made 3 good catches in the outfield. 

Game 2 S C Colllectibles scored 4 runs in every inning en route to a 24-10 mercy game over Cooks Tour. Big boomers for the collectors included Mark Merkley 4/4, double, 5 rbis – Gabe Medina 4/4, double, 3 rbis – manager Rob Shewfelt, 2 triples 3 for 4 – players with 3 hits were Dan Frank, Larry Thorson, Jim Slager, Rich Pass (triple) and Chuck Ryder. Cooks was led by John Iacobino’s 3/3 with a double – Larry Ware and Tom Blattner doubled – manager Rickie made 2 nice catches in left. 

Game 3 Peace Smoke Shop knocked Big O Tires from the ranks of the undefeated with a 15-8 victory. Hitting stars for the smokers were sub Larry Ware 4/4, sub Doug Terpstra 3 hits, 3 rbis – Jim Granucci 3 hits – Curt Holub ¾, double – Tim Dixon doubled – Peg Staske played well at shortstop. For Big O, Steve Sanderson and Rawn Mitchell (triple) were 4/4 – Jim Slager, Rob Shewfelt, and Perry Tasky each had 3 hits. 

Game Summaries – Nov 3 

Game 1 This was a well-played game with good defense by both team – unfortunately Peace Smoke bats were mostly silent as they fell to Collectibles 8-3. For the Collectors Rickie Grulke was 4/4 with a double; Mark Merkley was 2/3 with a double – manager Rob Shewfelt doubled, The Smokers were led by Helen Balabanis who was 3 for 3. Murray Hobert doubled; Larry Chapman was 2/2. Good catches by Peg Staske, Larry Thorson & Murray Hobert. 

Game 2 Cooks Tour moved to 2-1 with a 16-10 victory over Daily Independent. Led by Randy Benson 4/4, 3 rbis and Rich Murray 4/4 the chefs scored in every inning. Other stars were Tim Davis and Mark Kisala 3 for 4 – John Iacobino tripled – Larry Ware doubled – Jane Trotta played superb defense at second base. The reporters were paced by Rick Chupek 4/4, Chris Johnsen 3 for 4, 3 rbis and John Nickowski and Chuck Ryder each had 3 hit. Frank Faciano smacked a 3 run double. 

Game 3 Big O Tires remained undefeated at 3-0 with a win over Team Peterson 19- 13. Big hitters for the tiremen were sub Chris Johnsen 4/4, triple, 4 rbis – Dale Gressman, Bob Hamilton and Chuck Ryder were 4/4. Three hits garnered by Dan Frank and Steve Sanderson. For the realtors Don Walter and Ted Sindlinger (2 doubles, 3 rbis) were 4/4. Dave Sherck and Henry Simon (double) had 3 singles each. Doubles by Greg Roberts, John Millage & Eliut Gonzalez. 

Game Summaries - Oct 30 

Game 1 Let’s not sugar-coat it - this was an awful softball game certainly full of more errors than hits, 12 walks, and not deserving of a winner. Somehow Cooks Tour secured their first win by outlasting Peace Smoke Shop 15-13. Eight chefs had 3 hits each – Randy Benson, Tom Blattner, Rich Murray, Dave Clawson, Tim Davis, Mark Kisala, Larry Ware (triple, 3 rbis), and Gordon Tanner. Doubles by John Iacobino, Dave Clawson, and Rickie Toland. The Smokers were led by Murray Hobert and Dennis Robins 4/4. – Three hitters were Greg McCullough(3 rbis), Tony Hanlin & Peg Staske/ Nooch drove in three. 

Game 2 Larry Huber hit a bases-clearing double in the bottom of the 7 th inning as Big O edged Daily Independent 14-13. 14 runs were scored in the first 6 innings, 13 in the 7 th – 7 by the newsmen, 6 by the tiremen! Pacing Big O were Dan Frank 4/4 with 3 hits by Steve Sanderson & John Dykema. Dale Gressman drove in 3 runs. For the reporters Derek Sobczyk and Tim Burke were 4/4. Chipping in with 3 hits were Rick Chupek (triple), Chris Johnsen (2 doubles) and Chuck Ryder. 

Game 3 Paced by Gary Willis (3 hits, HR, 5 rbis) and Gabe Medina (4/4, 2 doubles, 3 rbis) Sun City Collectibles outscored Team Peterson 14-9. Mark Merkley and Rob Shewfelt were ¾. Doubles by Rickie Grulke, Mark Merkley, Doug Terpstra. Maria Medina made two great catches in right field. For the realtors Don Walter and Christy Nunes (double) garnered 3 hits each. Jan Mandell had three rbis. Ron McLean doubled. 

Game Summaries - Oct 27 

Game 1 This was an 18-4 thrashing of Cooks Tour by Big O Tires. Outstanding pitching and good defense complemented the timely hitting. Leading the way were Steve Sanderson 4/4, 2 doubles – John Dykema 4/4, 3 rbis – Rawn Mitchell 4/4, 3rbis – Dale Gressman 4/4, 3 rbis – 3 hits by Bob Hamilton and sub Larry Huber. The cooks scored all their runs in one inning and were paced by Tom Blattner 3/3 and Rich Murray 2 rbis. 

Game 2 While Peace Smoke Shop was ahead most of the game, Team Peterson pushed the limits before succumbing to a 17-15 score as the hit totals nearly matched the score as the Smokers won that battle 28-26! Curt Holub set the tone for the Peace guys by opening the game with a homerun and a 4/4 day with 3 rbis. Murray Hobert was ¾ with 3 rbis – the Nooch drove in 3 runs & had a sac fly. Tim Dixon was 4/4 – Dennis Robins and Larry Levin were ¾. The realtors leaders were Don Walter 4/5 and Ron McLean 4/5, 3 rbis. Three hits were had by John Millage (double), Jan Mandell, Dave Sherck, and Henry Simon. 

Game 3 Sun City Collectibles hammered out 40 hits and scored 24 runs (8 in the 7 th inning) on their way to beating Daily Independent (25 hits) 24-16! Aided by the reporter multiple errors, the collectors were led by Mark Merkley 5/5, 3 rbis – Doug Terpstra 5/5 – Gary Willis 4/5 (double) – Gabe Medine 5/5 – Phil Cea 4/5, 3 rbis – Rich Pass 4/5 – Those with 3 hits included Rickie Grulke, Rob Shewfelt (3 rbis), Jim Slager (3 rbis) and Larry Thorson. For Daily John Nickowski had a monster day 4/4, triple, 2 doubles, SIX rbis! Chris Johnsen, Rick Chupek and Chuck Ryder were 4/4. Manager Mike Milts was 3/4 with a double.