2010-07-22 / Sports
Tournament team
The ‘Gary’s Place’ team placed ninth out of 20 teams at the Lefty’s Softball Tournament held July 10 and 11 at Dower Lake softball field in Staples. The tournament was started 37 years ago by ‘Lefty’ Cameron, former owner of Lefty’s in Staples. In addition to Gary’s Place, local teams included Captain Ron’s and Rosing Woods Cabinets. First place went to the Shockers, St. Cloud; and Team Fubar, Twin Cities area, came in second. Pictured above, back row from left, ‘Lefty’ Cameron, Gary Kittleson, Dan Ward, Jody Maijala, Rich Schmitz, BJ Fink, Jamie Nichols, Matt Mosack, Jason Eastman, Chuck Stevens and Tom Stevens. Front row, from left, Kim Smith, Isaac Schmitz, Shawn Martin, Dan Birkholtz, Jeff Meixner and Dan Austad. “We played a total of four games over the weekend,” said Gary’s Place team member Tom Stevens, adding that it wasn’t their best tournament. “Two years ago we won the tournament. Last year we beat the Shockers twice throughout the tournament before losing in the championship,” he said. Pictured at right is ‘Lefty’ with Tom Stevens. “I’ve known Lefty since I was a little kid,” Tom said. “He’s an inspiration. He was out here all day, both days of the tournament, cheering everyone on.” (Submitted photos) 
