Softball players seeking
a few good women
Kathy Rodriguez, right, and Deb Ruiz laugh and cheer after their team the Babes Gone Wild scored another run during the Women's Old Timers' Softball Tournament at Ford Canyon Park on Saturday afternoon. — © 2007 Gallup Independent / Matt Hinshaw

Copyright © 2008
Gallup Independent
By Elizabeth Hardin-Burrola
Staff writer

GALLUP — Gloria Lopez has nothing against the Boys of Summer. She’s a fan too.

But she’s looking for a few more Women of Summer, particularly for this weekend. Women over 40 who love to play slow-pitch softball just like she does. Lopez, one of the organizers of this weekend’s Gallup Women’s Old Timers’ Tournament 2008, is looking to pick up a few more softball players — even a couple more teams — by Friday night’s registration.

This is the second year for the women’s Labor Day weekend tournament. Lopez organized the first 40-and-over women’s tournament last year after being a spectator for many years of Gallup’s annual 50-and-over tournament for men. Four local women’s teams are registered to compete this weekend, including a couple of players from Albuquerque and Phoenix, but Lopez would welcome more players or teams. The entry fee is $15 per player.

“If women are interested, give me a call,” said Lopez, who works in the business office at the Gallup Independent. Registration and a get-acquainted gathering for both the women and men ball players will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday at Sammy C’s Rock N’ Sports Pub & Grille.

Lopez said the women’s tournament set its minimum “old timers” age at 40 to pick up more players. “I thought if we started with 40, we’d get more interested people out there,” she said.

As it is, Lopez said she knows of a number of women in their 30s — including one of her daughters-in-law — who are looking forward to turning 40 in order to participate in future tournaments.

“They’re really looking forward to coming out and playing,” she said. According to Lopez, her daughter-in-law joked,

“Can we cheat and say we’re 40?”

This weekend’s women’s games are scheduled for Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning at Ford Canyon Park, at the field located closest to the senior citizens’ center. Medallions will be given out to all the participants, Lopez said, and awards and prizes will be given to the two top teams and their MVPs.

Information: Lopez, (505) 863-3254 (evenings) or 863-6811 ext. 250 (day)