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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Adult sports league a fun family event

Jeslyn Lemke Correspondent

Phillip John steps up to bat. The noise of the crowd softens. His daughters watch him from the shade. The pitcher throws, John hits and the ball blasts past the infield, past the outfield and on past a fence at Salnave Park.

The crowd goes wild. John takes an easy jog for a home run.

Welcome to an opening softball game of MAC sports, a new adult sports league for Medical Lake, Airway Heights and Cheney.

The evening of June 13 saw four co-ed softball games in session with teams vying for places at the end-of-the-season tournament.

“It’s all power. A little thunder. A little lightning,” said one of John’s friends as John, of Medical Lake, stepped off the field after his homer. John smiled.

“That’s what I tell my girls,” he said.

Most MAC teams are made up of local families, friends and co-workers out for some socializing and exercise.

For example, the game at Salnave had most of the Cheney Parks and Recreation Department out in force, playing as “the Rec’ers.” There was the department director, Paul Simmons, cracking the bat like a pro. There was Jera Donner, recreation supervisor, sprinting from base to base. Some swimming instructors were out there too, giving it their best shot.

The opposing team, the Dels, was mostly family members. Kids were making mudballs in the dirt. Girlfriends and passers-by swatted flies and cheered as their local athletes lived the game on the field. It was a double header that ended in a split.

Offering six sports annually, the MAC league draws players from across the region with teams competing weekly on a rotation among cities.

The league drew more than 400 players last year and city recreation supervisors said they expect more as word spreads.

“I just like coming out and being with other adults. It’s a family event,” said Cathy Williford, who was keeping the score in the shade.

Contact correspondent Jeslyn Lemke by e-mail at jlemke12@yahoo.com.