Sandpoint softball players show their grit
SANDPOINT — After helping lead their team to a third place finish last fall at the Masters World Softball Championships in Las Vegas, a trio of Sandpoint softball players are gearing up for the 2014 season.
John Walkington, Steve Verby and Gary Miller all played key roles for the Coeur d’Alene and Spokane-based 55-60 year-old team. The three are ready to start up again in May, at a qualifying tournament in Yakima.
Walkington had shoulder surgery this winter after sustaining an injury early in the tournament in Las Vegas, and hopes to be back in action soon. Despite the injury, Walkington continued to play, hitting a robust .769 and using his plus speed to leg out five triples and four doubles, earning team MVP honors.
“John was a stalwart. His ability to keep going was amazing,” described Verby. “John is one of the greatest competitors and athletes I’ve ever played with or against. He caught balls in the outfield that no one else could have come close to, let alone catch.”
Verby, at 63 the eldest player on the team, was no slouch at the plate either, posting a .708 average with a home run and four doubles while playing catcher.
Verby, a senior district judge and part of the softball scene in Sandpoint for years, loves the camaraderie the sport offers.
“I enjoy practice more than I enjoy the games,” admitted Verby. “The people involved are so much fun.”
The fact that Miller was able to play in the Worlds at all was impressive, having sustained an injury at work that required hand surgery and partial amputation of a finger leading up to the World Championships. Even though he couldn’t put a glove on his hand, he was still a factor offensively, as the designated hitter/pinch runner still managed to hit .591 with a triple and three doubles.
“Not many people would do what he would do,” said Walkington of Miller. “Gary’s a true competitor. He loves the game; he showed who he was.”
The three plan to compete again this summer, and hopefully improve their place at the World Championships.