The Philadelphia Senior Softball League on Friday completed another successful season, with the Heat sweeping the Graysox in a best-of-three series in the 70-and-over division.
The season began in May, and the Heat – sponsored by Philadelphia Crematories Inc. – followed an excellent regular season by winning both games in the championship series. Games are played at Crispin Field, Holme and Convent avenues.
The Heat, trailing 3-1 early, prevailed in the clincher thanks, in part, to a bases-loaded double play in the fourth inning and the pitching of J.J. Johnston, a cancer survivor who was given the game ball signed by his teammates.
“This guy is phenomenal,” catcher John Welsh, at age 79 the oldest player on the team, said of Johnston. “He keeps on hitting the mark. He’s good.”
The Heat and Graysox are two of four teams in the 70-plus division, with the Grave Diggers and Grayhounds also playing. There are six teams in the 60-and-over division.
Members of the championship team are Jose Duprey, Paul Balinski, Flaco Santiago, Mino Cruz, Bob Dillon, Bill Krieger, John Wilson, Len Smith, Carl Robinson, Tommy Darcy, Ralph Cooper, Marty O’Donnell, J.J. Johnston and Rob Horan. Dick Lipinski is the manager. Brian Murphy and Al Furey are coaches.
“Winning never gets old,” said Horan, the shortstop.
Duprey holds the distinction of winning championships in both the 60- and 70-plus divisions.
Though the season is over, some players take part in open practices on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays until the spring opener. Anyone interested in playing next season can call commissioner Dick Lipinski at 215-537-0363. ••
