Negaunee wins Oldtimers game

Wednesday was a beautiful day for the Oldtimers softball game between Marquette and Negaunee at LaCombe field in Negaunee.

Marquette struck first, getting out to a 2-0 lead after the first inning. Negaunee scored four runs in the fourth to take a 4-2 lead.

After Marquette added three more runs to regain the lead, Negaunee scored four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning, thanks to an inside the park grand slam by Hank St. Aubin.

Negaunee won the game 9 to 5  over Marquette.

“This is a blast,” said Eugene Menapace, who pitched for Marquette. “Last year was my first year pitching in 25 years and I couldn’t believe how much fun it was and how much I missed it,” Menapace added.

“I’ve been doing this for the last four years. We’ve played with each other and against each other for years, so we all know each other. Some of us even work together,” said Marquette player Tom Sullivan.

“We are blessed that we can do this at the age of 68 and enjoy all of these nice gentlemen that we played ball with for over 40 or 50 years, its just nice to be out,” said Negaunee outfielder Gerry Pirkola.

“I’m pretty active myself. I play hockey in the winter, so I do that quite readily. I work with the kids, so I am out on the ice. I mean just to play with these guys, the Marquette guys are awesome!” said Negaunee infielder Fred Sterk.

With the win, Negaunee (18) has one more win (17) than Marquette.