published: Thursday, February 07, 2013

Jones witnesses 'miracle' comeback in LP Senior play

Special to the News-Sun

LAKE PLACID - After a career with the Department of Defense, Harvey Jones decided to follow his heart and become an ordained Baptist minister.

His current assignment is Singer Castle in Chippewa Bay, NY, part of The Thousand Islands chain.

Modeled after a neo-Gothic English castle, it was endowed by the Singer family of sewing machine fame.

From May to September, "Deacon" Jones preaches, conducts tours, and holds youth retreats on the hollowed grounds.

Visit singercastle.com for further details.

In the winter, "Deacon" Jones enjoys the warmth of the people and weather in Lake Placid.

He plays senior softball for Central Security.

On Monday, the Deacon's prayers were answered when Central beat Schooni's Restaurant 29-23.

Tom Walsh (double, triple), Joe Hedges and Paul Stephenson (double) had four hits each for Central.

Owner Dana Hurlbut had a double and home run, while the "Deacon" hit a triple.

For Schooni's, Denis Cuillerier (HR), Bill Gallagher and Richard Rucker (HR) had five hits each.

Tom Ashley (HR) and John McCallum (HR) contributed four hits apiece.

Frank Hedges also homered in the loss.

Yates Insurance, down by 10 runs entering the last inning, rallied for 21 to defeat Seminole Tire 34-24.

Woody Hoffman and winning pitcher Jeff Stanley (two doubles, triple) lead the attack with six hits each.

Dave Steigerwalt (double) and Paul Brand (two doubles, two home runs) added five apiece.

Gerry Martin added a home run.

For Seminole Tire, Mike Kratt (double), Norm Grubbs (three doubles) and Drew Whittaker formed The Four Hit Club.

Howard Carney added a home run in the loss.

On Wednesday, Seminole Tire (4-6) dispatched Central Security (4-6) 21-17.

Leading the 'Noles with four hits each were Jim Hensley (HR), Mike Kratt (HR), Howard Carney (double), Ross Anderson and Gene Welbaum (double).

Gary Pixley added a home run in the victory.

Fred Moore had four hits (double) for the Securitymen.

Yates Insurance (7-3) again became The Kardiac Kids, this time rallying from eight runs down in extra innings to defeat Schooni's (5-5) 35-34.

Dick Cook led the Yates offense with six hits (four doubles) and played stellar defense from his rover position.

Registering five hits were Larry Oser (double), Cliff Bluml (double, triple), Jeff Stanley (double, triple) and Dave Bilyea.

Paul Brand continued his offensive onslaught with two more home runs, and Ed Engler added a solo shot.

For Schooni's, MVP candidate Bill Gallagher (double, HR), Victor Rodriguez (five doubles),and Richard Rucker (two doubles, HR) had five hits each.

Tom Ashley and Ron Wickman also went deep for the Restauranteurs.

"Deacon" Jones, observing the Yates comebacks from the depths of defeat to the summits of victory, opined "it's a miracle!"

For further league information, please visit lpsoftball.com.