SPORTS

Huff-N-Puffers complete successful 15th season

Ashland Times Gazette

Bottom row, from left: John Maiken (CEO), Donna Rae Maiken (scorekeeper), Bob Halblaub, Wayne Bloodhart, Doug Cellar, Chuck Henley, Jr., Jim Reed, Lorin Martin, and Janet House (pressbox); second row: Vern Vore, Barry Pringle, Brad Helenthal, Shelia Repp, Jeff Pryor, Shane Queer, Jeff Smith, Gary Marshall, Greg Perry, Matt Maiken, Terry Chronister, and Mitch Metzger; third row: Tim Hershey (umpire), Jeff Haldeman, Kent Snyder, Doug Culler, Don Beecher, Gary Aukerman, Jim House, Bill Shilling, and Bob Andress; back row: Don McCracken, Erv Howard (COO), Bob Young, Jim Smith, Ron Motil, Jim Park, Dave Barr, Ed Kozich, Rich Hess and Robbie Obrecht. Members not pictured: Rick Bowerize, Brian Culler, Steve Goon, Rick Goss (IL), Tom Hollins (IL), Reggie Kline, Mike Rogers, Don Stump (IL), and Ed Yetzer.

The Huff-N-Puffers (Ashland Fast-pitch Chapter) Senior Softball Organization recently completed its 15th season. Doubleheaders consisted of two age divisions — Seniors (ages 65 and over) at 4:30 p.m., and Juniors (ages 55-64) at 6:30 p.m. Games were played weekly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Brookside Main, beginning after Memorial Day and ending before Labor Day.

Despite ailments suffered by nearly all the players, they persevered and the sport was still enjoyed. Comradery was shared as usual.

Major donations were received from supporter Doug Reynolds Jr.; players Rick Goss, Rick Bowerize, Jeff Haldeman, Jim House and COO Erv Howard; along with several other players. Philanthropist Jeff Haldeman sponsored a fan appreciation night, the last doubleheader of the year.

Self-proclaimed CEO, founder, partial sponsor, and player/manager John Maiken thanked the players for participating; the organization's loyal fans for attending; Parks Director Jason Counts for his scheduling; the parks ground crew who readied the diamond for play during the summer; Tim Hershey for umpiring; Janet House for her press box contributions and excellent between-inning music selections; and Donna Rae Maiken and substitute Diane Steiner for their accurate scorebook keeping.

The Senior Division is presently closed, but due to attrition a waiting list is available. The Junior Division is open with the particular need for pitchers and catchers. One qualifies as long as their 55th birthday falls within the 2023 calendar year. All games will be on Wednesdays next summer with rainouts tentatively scheduled for Mondays in August. If interested, text or leave a voicemail at 419-651-6697.

In memoriam: Bob Pettit, Sr., Dale Hershey, Mike Altman, Clark Repp, Chuck Griffith, Stan Bloodhart, Sherman Jones, Mark Hamilton, Gary Wallace, and George Martin.