The tradition continues

Fred Dresser

October has arrived and that means cooler temperatures are on the way. For the PebbleCreek Senior Softball Association (PCSSA), it also means that the 23rd season is about to begin. But before we get to that, let’s take a trip back in time to how it all began. So, sit back and enjoy the journey.

In September 1995, a group of guys got together at the Eagle’s Nest Clubhouse to discuss interest in playing softball. As a result, Jim Snyder was appointed to spearhead resident interest in playing softball. PebbleCreek Softball began to take shape. At this time two teams were formed with a total of 21 players from PebbleCreek. Tuesdays and Saturdays were selected as play days as the ladies took over the golf course on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The games were played at the Old Litchfield Park field across from the fire station on Old Litchfield Road.

In November 1997, games began play on a field that became known as the “rock pile” in PebbleCreek. The field was located north of where the current tennis courts in Eagle’s Nest are currently located. The field received its name due to the players needing to pick up the small rocks on the field to avoid an injury to a player.

In 1998, the league consisted of six teams. Two teams from PebbleCreek along with teams from Sun City Grand, Rosie’s Restaurant, Happy Trails and El Mirage. Arizona Traditions joined the league in 1999 raising the number of teams to seven. As the popularity of the sport grew, the Robson organization was contacted by Dave Smith, Del Chafe (passed on), Ron Van der Hei, Mick Mauer and Don Wyman about the possibility of a ball field being constructed that would accommodate the growing interest of softball in PebbleCreek. Mr. Robson was instrumental in the development and construction of the current Field of Dreams.

January 2000 arrives and the Field of Dreams is now a reality. The backstop and bleachers were moved from the infamous “rock pile” to the new field. Seven teams now play on our field; four teams from PebbleCreek and three outside teams. Between 2001 and 2003 the league grows to six teams that are made up of exclusively PebbleCreek residents.

Along comes 2004 and the league expands to 10 teams with 16 players per team. The league continues to grow with two more teams added, bringing the total number of teams to 12.

The 2016/2017 season sees the league grow to 13 teams and 156 players.

As mentioned earlier, the 2017/2018 season is fast approaching with opening day scheduled for October 28. Once again, the league expands now to include 14 teams and 168 players.

The PCSSA, from its humble beginning at Old Litchfield Park to the “rock pile” to our current Field of Dreams ball field, could not have happened if it were not for 21 players that had a vision of what could be. Of the 21 original players, only one (Bob Quarantino) remains playing.

A special thank you to the Robson Organization for all their efforts to bring the Robson Field of Dreams to life.

My thanks to Bob Quarantino for providing the above information.

Play ball!