TUES - Patriots

Many players and those associated with the CSSA bring new members into the organization, often friends and family, but sometimes even strangers they meet throughout their daily lives. Dewey Hom acts more like an ambassador of the CSSA. He has held practically every significant post in the group, and has done so not only because of the satisfaction he receives from playing softball, but due to the multitude of players he’s seen significantly improve their lives because of their association with their peers on and off the field.
Beep! Beep! Virtually everyone in the league knows Dewey. He’s the slender guy who always wears that white helmet with yellow bolts and his legs churn like a determined road runner. He just received his third Most Valuable Player award, this time a co-MVP for his Spring season performance with Long Tire in the Legends Gold Seniors League. In his thirteen years in CSSA, he’s won the Arnold Fowler Award (2013), the Spirit Award (2017), the Lowell Lawson Award (2020), along with multiple batting and home run titles.
It’s his speed that gets him noticed and led to his proudest moments in sports. Surprisingly, those memories are not in the CSSA, or even softball. Board members of the CSSA encouraged him to compete in the Senior Olympics track competitions, where Dewey discovered his true gift. So much so, that in 2019 in Lynchburg, VA, he earned gold medals in the 60-64 age group for finishing first in the Long Jump and 50 Meters events.
This brings us to the reason you always see that safety cap on his head. A few years ago, he was running the bases when an outfielder’s arm released a softball rocket targeted to reach second base ahead of Dewey. The ball’s impact with the side of Dewey’s skull caused a severe concussion and almost ended his life. He has made a full recovery, but he doesn’t accept the premise that lightning never strikes the same spot twice. He credits his faith with an assist that he survived that incident, and won’t ignore a simple precaution such as wearing a helmet.
This senior softballer appreciates that his wife of twenty-five years, Deborah, enabled him to pursue softball and track while she maintained a strong home front for their three children. He has always been active in his church, and understands his beliefs and related lifestyle have allowed him and his family to enjoy their lives to the utmost.
He is most appreciative of the CSSA’s existence, and pleads for more players to step up to volunteer, even in the smallest way. As in most all-volunteer organizations, a remarkable few who can always use more help do most of the work.
So, when you see this sprinting player at the rover position, perhaps spend another moment thinking if your life has any time to pitch in and support the CSSA. Then, remember what Dewey often says, “Anything can happen in ol’ men’s softball,” and have fun.

Written by Marty Aftewicz

Due to excessive rain the past so many days, the games for tonite have been cancelled. Andy will send revised schedules asap.

CSSA BOARD MEETING
August 9, 2021

The monthly meeting of the CSSA was held August 9, 2021, at GameDay Grill, and called to order by Norm Thiem at 6:20 PM.
Members present: Ray DeLuca, Dick O’Conner, Robbie Crider, John Humeston, Bob Werner, Norm Thiem, Mike Parson, Leland Brown, Andy Tubbs, Dewey Hom & Randy Bergman

Absent: Brad Tafoya
A. Minutes from June 28, 2021 meeting were discussed & approved.

B. The CSSA has a new sponsor: Cancun Mexican Restaurant 4451 Towne Lake Pkwy #200, Woodstock, GA 30189. Thank you for joining our organization, and we wish you good luck on your business. Two other businesses have expressed interest in joining the CSSA family, and we appreciate their possible sponsorship.

C. The rules committee reviewed, consolidated and made some corrections on the updating of the CSSA rules. The rules must be completely reviewed by the entire BOD, and discussed over the next several Board meetings prior to a final
vote and printing.

D. Fall evaluations went very well. There were more morning league drafts than the evening leagues, but everything was worked out for the fall season.
1. Rosters must be confirmed and sent back to Norm ASAP so they can be entered into the CSSA data base.
2. ALL PLAYERS must pay league fees prior to playing.
3. Any questions or changes to the rosters can be addressed to Norm at the following e-mail address: Staciep@n2plusllc.com

E. Constant contact needs to be in the database for ALL players. Directors will be given information on how to edit and create a database over next few weeks.

F. Managers need to request new player jerseys ASAP. The jerseys take about 2-3 weeks, so it’s imperative that the ordering is done in the next few days.
G. New softballs have not arrived. We ask that all league directors pole their managers to see if they have any extras, from previous seasons to get through this set back. The new balls will be delivered to each team manager as soon as they are received.

H. Marty Aflewicz will be writing profiles of players on Teampages starting with MVP’s from last season.

I. The 2021 fall golf tournament will be held on *Thursday, November 11, 2021* – Veterans Day. Thanks to Tom Cameron for heading up this fundraiser. Remember that we ask everyone who attends to bring at least 1 unwrapped toy to be used for children for Christmas

J. The CSSA Awards banquet will be held on Tuesday, November 16, 2021,
(9 days prior to Thanksgiving).

K. The BOD is looking for volunteers to run for a board position for 2022. It is a HIGH paying job that does not pay with money, just love!!! If anyone feels that they would like to serve on the BOD, please notify any board member ASAP.

L. Ann Ryan has gone through some hardship over the past month and Jeff Nichols is battling Covid 19. We will review their needs over the next two weeks to see how the league can help them both and their families.

M. Next BOD meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 13, 2021, at 6:30 PM at Gameday Grill.

• At the time of the writing of this report, Jeff Nichols has passed away due to the Covid 19 infection on August 14, 2021. Jeff played in the league over the past 10 years and will be greatly missed as a GOD loving, kind and gentle human being. He leaves behind a loving wife Shanna, and a nine year old son Tommy. At this time there is no visitation or funeral service scheduled. A memorial service / celebration of life will be conducted at a later date, and we will notify everyone when that day occurs. We pray for Jeff’s family and our condolences go out to ALL who knew him.

Meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM

Once again this week, all games for tonite have been cancelled due to weather. Reschedules to follow ASAP.

Reschedules to follow as soon as can get them from Directors.