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History of Wilmington Senior SoftballPhil Rose, a former minor league baseball player, New York policeman and detective, retired to Wilmington, NC in 1995. He had played Senior Softball for years in Long Island. He was shocked and disappointed to learn that there was no Senior League in Wilmington.
Determined to continue playing softball, Phil began to solicit neighbors and friends interested in staying active. He found that the City had two adult fields at Empie Park near the mall. He made up flyers distributing them in the area stores and within weeks he received numerous inquires. From eleven players hitting the ball around, the league took shape, finishing the first season with three teams. Today, there are three divisions consisting of more than 150 players. Wilmington Senior Softball teams complete every year in the State Senior Games in Raleigh and have won numerous State Championships. From a bunch of retired fellows hitting a ball around in 1995 to today, the league has been transformed into a serious competitive sport. Ten teams take the field every Tuesday and Thursday morning for a double header. Fields are lined, umpires are official, and uniforms are required dress. |
For the 2016 season the league has added a third division. The newly formed Legacy division will provide a softball environment for those whose talents no longer remain competitive with the younger players and for those returning to the game who need a place to hone their skills.
Richie Price Remembers The Early Days
Richie Price was one of the original players who were already playing when Phil came to town and became one of the founding fathers of the Wilmington Senior Softball league. The Board felt it important that we record the history of the league to share with those who follow us. The Board would like to extend its thanks to Richie for providing his recollections to our members.
In the spring of 1995, about 11 softball players between the ages of 55 and 72 gathered at Empie Park to throw the ball around and take batting practice. They met on Wednesday and Friday mornings. It was coordinated through the Wilmington Parks and Recreation program under the direction of Nancy Middlesworth and her husband. Some of the players included Ken Denne, Bob Foster, Jack Schwarze, John Keene, Frank Clemens, Hank Bredeck, Ben Starinsky and Richard Price.
In the spring of 1995, about 11 softball players between the ages of 55 and 72 gathered at Empie Park to throw the ball around and take batting practice. They met on Wednesday and Friday mornings. It was coordinated through the Wilmington Parks and Recreation program under the direction of Nancy Middlesworth and her husband. Some of the players included Ken Denne, Bob Foster, Jack Schwarze, John Keene, Frank Clemens, Hank Bredeck, Ben Starinsky and Richard Price.
In July of 1995, Phil Rose (pictured left) joined the group and offered to help Nancy organize the workouts and recruit new players. His first recruit was Ed Maracek.
In the spring of 1996, through Phil's sustained effort, a number of new players joined the original group. These included, George Scelzi (pictured right), Harry Rowe, Lou Cardemone, Ron Sullivan, Doug Patterson, Bob Faehner, Bob Perry and Marty Plage. It was also the year when a team was formed to play a number of games against a team in Brunswick County, both at home and in Brunswick. The Brunswick team dominated all of those games. |
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It can be said that 1997 saw the beginning of the Wilmington Senior Softball Association (WSSA). Three teams participated in the league, two teams from Wilmington and one from Brunswick County. The Wilmington teams were the LEGENDS, managed by Phil Rose, SILVER STREAKS, managed by Ed Maracek and the BRUNSWICK SLAMMERS, managed by Jim Galvin. The SLAMMERS won the championship.-It was also the first year a Wilmington Traveling Team was formed and competed once a month in games in Shallotte, Jacksonville, Raleigh, Myrtle Beach and Darlington. Phil Rose and Ed Maracek managed this team.
(WSSA Hall of Fame inductees Harry Rowe, left, and Ken Denne, right) |
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The year 1998 was an exceptional year for the WSSA. The league expanded to four teams which included the LEGENDS, managed by Phil Rose, SILVER STREAKS, managed by Ed Maracek, CARPETEERS, managed by Russ Puckett and the ROOSTERS, managed by Col Bill Blaha. The CARPETEERS won the 1998 league championship. It was also the year, through the generosity of several sponsors, uniforms were worn by all teams. Also, umpires were paid. Moreover, it was the first year All Star teams were selected to play in the North Carolina State Senior games in Raleigh. Teams in the 55-60 and 65-70 age groups were formed. Both teams won in Raleigh and qualified for the 1999 National games that were to be played in the Walt Disney Complex in Orlando, Florida.
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In 2000, the WSSA expanded to five teams with the addition of the EAGLES. They were managed by Dave Ruth and had newcomers Phil Kaufman, Joe Seme, Stan Sholar, Morgan Medlin, Ed Healey and Bob Sipple. The EAGLES won the Playoffs in 2000.
In 2003, another chapter of WSSA was written with the development of the Coastal Division. The Wilmington Senior Softball Association was separated into two divisions, The ATLANTIC Division and COASTAL Division, consisting of four teams in each Division. The COASTAL Division continued to grow to its current stature of seven teams. The ATLANTIC Division remains at four.
In 2003, another chapter of WSSA was written with the development of the Coastal Division. The Wilmington Senior Softball Association was separated into two divisions, The ATLANTIC Division and COASTAL Division, consisting of four teams in each Division. The COASTAL Division continued to grow to its current stature of seven teams. The ATLANTIC Division remains at four.
In 2016, the latest chapter of our growth began with the creation of the LEGACY Division which provides a softball environment for those whose talents no longer remain competitive with the younger players and for those returning to the game who need a place to hone their fundamentals.
Also in 2016 eight of our league members will be over 80. Pictured above are original members Ron Sullivan, Lou Cardamone and Bobby Faehner, all over 80.
Also in 2016 eight of our league members will be over 80. Pictured above are original members Ron Sullivan, Lou Cardamone and Bobby Faehner, all over 80.
Port City Daily - article by Joe Catenacci
03/31/16
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