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PHOTOS by Janeen Duarte, Desert Expression Photography
By Mila Besich-Lira
Superior Sun
The Superior Little League started the 2014 season with new energy and a fresh set of goals to accomplish. The season started with a new score board and several improvements to the concession stand.
The League also celebrated two major milestones. One was the 75th Anniversary of the International Little League Baseball Association the second was the 50th Anniversary of the Superior Senior League All Stars who represented the Superior, the state of Arizona and the western regional division at the Little League International Tournament in 1964.
These were all reasons to celebrate at the end of the season ceremonies in June. While everyone was there in anticipation of the announcement of the 2014 All Star Teams, all of the players each received a medal for their sportsmanship and participation in the League. This year the annual ceremony was not only about the present players and all stars, there was a time of recognition for the 1964 Superior Senior League All Star Team. The team is celebrating its 50th anniversary of their All Star victories.
The 1964 All Star Team from Superior was the first team in Arizona to play in the Senior League All Start International Tournament. To get to that point, the team first had to defeat San Manuel and Casa Grande in the district tournament. Then they headed to Phoenix to defeat Rose Lane, Arizona and Silver City, New Mexico. Those victories earned them a trip to Downy, California where they beat three other state championship teams.
Following their victories in Downey, they traveled to Roseville, California to defeat Hayward, California for the Western Region Championship. In that title, they represented nine states and British Columbia, Canada.
That summer, the Senior League of Superior, Arizona traveled to Kentucky to play in the Senior League All Star Tournament. It was a summer most of them would never forget, and it is a big part of Superior history to this day.
The 2014 Little League board invited the team back to the closing ceremonies and presented them with a commemorative baseball. Only a few members were able to return for the ceremony, but this important milestone was not forgotten.
Members of the 1964 Superior Senior League team were: Pat Alcala, John O’Donnell, Roy Lopez, Manuel Silvas, Joey Vindiola, Nolbert Casillas, Ray Ramirez Jr., George Redondo, Don Ketron, Joe Thomas, Frank Campos, Mike Santa Cruz, Billy Joe Walker and coaches, Chapo Campos, Joe Vindiola, and Manuel Sanchez.
The 2014 Superior All Stars teams are currently in tournament mode. The 11 and 12 year old girls softball team was eliminated from its tournament last week after three games. The 9 and 10 year old girls softball teams began tournament play this week, at press time there was no status on the team. The rest of the League All Stars teams will begin play after the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Follow Copper Area News on Facebook and Twitter for All Star Game updates as we have them available. Good luck to all the teams representing Superior from the staff at theSuperior SunandCopper Area News.
Mila Besich is a resident of Superior with two children. She volunteers for many local organizations. She is an experienced fundraiser and event planner for Copper Corridor Economic Development Coalition. She covers some of the area town councils and schools.
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