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I have 19 dozen practice softballs to give away, in bags of 12. I can bring them to the ball park, if anyone is interested. Text me if you want some of them.

— Don Angle
209 573 3369 

REMINDER: According to league rules, you must wear league-supplied shirts and hats (section 2.2, Uniforms).

And speaking of rules…you may have noticed the City has been marking lines around the batters’ boxes.

When scoring, avoid these lines as well; in other words, make sure you run well right of the home plate area, or you will be called out.

Our annual summer picnic has been set for July 16 (a Thursday) at 6pm. Board Members will once again be cooking and serving tri-tip, hot dogs, and trimmings.

All members of all leagues are welcome to this event. Thursday night leagues will play as scheduled.

The raffle we have that night is a big fundraiser for us. If you can donate any items for this effort, please notify a Board member.

Last year’s recipient of our annual donation was the Modesto-Empire Little League. A banner now flies at their facility to mark the event.

Our own Al Sterling was on hand to capture the installation, and went on to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the start of this year’s play.

The SSSA Board’s Rules Committee has completed slight changes for the upcoming season. The rule changes were approved during the off-season by the full Board, and apply to the LOTO (Women’s) and Golden leagues. The document has been updated, so feel free to download a fresh copy from our Forms page.

A new season must be coming, because our annual association meeting and dinner was held Wednesday, February 25.

After socializing and some good tri-tip and chicken from our caterer, BBQ in a Barrel, we got to our Association business. Members voted to accept changes to our ByLaws, then we got on to awards. Mason Kirkpatrick awards were presented for each league, last year’s HOF inductees got their rings, and Jorge Trevino was welcomed into the SSSA Hall of Fame.

You can see pictures via the Photo Gallery (this is a direct link to the event).

It’s almost time to start a new season of softball. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, February 25th, for our kick-off dinner. 

We’ll meet at 6:30 at the Riverbank Community Center for some tri-tip and all that goes with that. Our annual awards and business meeting will follow the dinner. Proposed Bylaw changes are included here. League signups will be going on all night.

In the first week of March, we’ll begin hitting at Beyer Park at all the league time slots. Start stretching to get ready to play ball!

Night leagues (Tues. and Thurs.) will now be $170, and day leagues will be $145. The women’s league will be $165.

New for 2026: a Coed league on Tuesday nights.

Registration forms are available now. Those active in a league last year should receive a form in the mail. If not, the materials will be available at our Annual Meeting Feb. 25, or you can print out copies from the Registration page here.

The Board has voted to raise fees for 2026.

Increased expenses (city fees, umpire costs, etc.) have forced a modest increase in league fees for the first time in a few years. The season will remain the same length (approx. 24 games), and the pre-season and mid-season dinners will still be included.

Each league will be going up by $10. Night leagues (Tues. and Thurs.) will now be $170, and day leagues will be $145. The women’s league will be $165.

Registration forms will be available very soon. Looks like we have enough interest to add a Coed league to Tuesday night.

With your cooperation, we hope to keep Stanislaus Senior Softball Association a vibrant organization for years to come. And tell a friend—additional players will help with that goal.

Dick Imfeld, age 84, unexpectedly passed away at home in his sleep and into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 2, 2024. Born on April 28, 1940, in Modesto to William and Margaret Imfeld, Dick was the eldest of three children.

In 1923, his paternal grandparents immigrated from Switzerland with Dick’s father and ten siblings. He was proud of his Swiss heritage and made several memorable visits to Switzerland.

After graduating from Cal Poly Pomona in 1963, Dick joined his father at the family business, IC Refrigeration Service. Beginning at the ground level, he learned every aspect of the HVAC industry and eventually took the helm. With perseverance and a strong work ethic, he guided the company through challenging times and oversaw its steady growth. Known for his commitment to people, Dick believed deeply in putting employees, their families, and customers first. He loved the work, the people, and the community. He reluctantly retired in 2022.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Dick was an avid fan of the SF Giants and 49ers. His greatest passion, however, was playing softball. For decades, he played both fast- and slow-pitch as a member of the Sportsmen of Stanislaus (SOS) Club and with Senior Softball, finally hanging up his cleats at the age of 80. It was on the field that he formed many lasting friendships and collected cherished memories.

Dick is survived by his wife of 42 years, Shirley; his children, Richard Jr., Kristen, and John; four grandchildren; his sisters, Pat and Kathy; as well as in-laws, nieces, nephews, and many cousins.

His faith shaped every part of who he was-kind, generous, joyful, steady, and young at heart. He touched lives simply by being himself, offering encouragement, humor, and warmth to those around him. May his memory be a source of comfort to all who knew him.

Dick’s life will be honored with a celebration on Saturday, December 6th at 2 p.m., Heritage Church, 1155 Escalon Avenue in Escalon.

Published by the Modesto Bee.