PCSSA Opening Day – Softball Teams 2015
Judy Ayers
Over 300 persons attended the beginning of the 2015-2016 PebbleCreek Senior Softball season on Saturday, October 24. The day included Opening Day ceremonies, a picnic and six games. It was an event that provided a festive atmosphere for all, attendees and players alike.
After the taking of the annual league picture by Sherry Wainwright, which included all 12 teams, and then with the teams standing along the baselines, President Ken Johnson addressed the crowd and the teams, outlining the goals for the 2015-2016 season and introduced the team sponsors, the board members, team managers and umpires, as well as John Kiekbusch, President of the HOA, who spoke to the crowd.
PCSSA player Keith Easley gave the Invocation, followed by Director of Marketing Al Chandler, who told the crowd of the fundraising event to raise money for ROTC scholarships at North Georgia University that would be in the name of his son, Captain Jeremy Chandler, who lost his life while serving in Afghanistan. A moment of silence was then observed in memory of Del Chafe, the league’s first president and long-time players Carlton Lee and Andy Mandala, all who passed away during this past summer.
Part of the Opening Day ceremonies included the giving of a huge check from the PCSSA to Kare Bears in the amount of $500 for the great work this PebbleCreek organization does that benefits all residents of our community.
After Pat Ingalls sang the National Anthem, President Ken awarded Bob Quarantino with the 20 year pin, acknowledging the number of years Bob has played in our league.
President Ken announced that Events Chairperson Jim Beyers, assisted by Lee Ayers, Al Chandler and Dick Gwilt, were responsible for the overall planning and success of this year’s Opening Day event.
The last part of the Opening Day ceremonies was the throwing out of the first pitch, the honor this year going to Bob Quarantino with Doug Schlenker serving as his catcher.
President Ken informed everyone attending that a picnic-style lunch would be served from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Then, addressing the teams, President Ken gave the order to “Play Ball!” which concluded the Opening Day ceremonies.