Local Sports

Chipps 95 and going strong

Photos

EDWARD ENGLER
Published: February 15, 2013

LAKE PLACID - Al Chipps—mechanic, World War II Royal Canadian Air Force navigator and flyer, homebuilder, plumber, electrician, tobacco farmer, and most recently, catcher for Yates Insurance in Lake Placid senior softball. On February 9, Al celebrated his 95th birthday.

One player inquired about his secret to longevity and good health.

"Wine, women, and music," Chipps replied. "It is just getting harder to hear the music."

Chipps still professes a burning desire to have his age beat his golf score. A teammate quipped, "Take up bowling."

On Monday, his Yates team staged a last-inning rally for the third straight game to upend Central Security 33-24. Leading the offense for Yates was winning pitcher Jeff Stanley with six hits including the cycle. Woody Hoffman, along with rookies Dave Steigerwalt and Dave Bilyea (double, triple), had five hits. Paul Brand also hit for the cycle, while Cliff Bluml and Dick Cook homered.

For Central Security, Joe Hedges tripled, homered and made three outstanding catches in left field. Chet Johnson smashed four doubles, while Paul Stephenson and "Deacon" Jones homered.

Seminole Tire defeated Schooni's Restaurant 26-16. Pacing the 'Noles was Howard Carney (two doubles, HR) with five hits. Ross Anderson and Norm Grubbs (double) had four hits, while Gary Pixley, Skip Raller, and Darrel Richards added two doubles and three triples among their nine combined hits.

Leading hitters for Schooni's were Bill Gallagher (three doubles) with five hits and Richard Rucker with four.

In Wednesday action, Yates Insurance (9-3), playing with only 10 in the field, flashed the leather to defeat Seminole Tire (5-7) 18-8 for their fourth straight win. Harland Newby of Seminole Tire and Jeff Stanley of Yates engaged in a pitchers' battle until Yates pulled away in the late innings.

Shortstop Dick Cook started two double plays and made several key stops to keep the 'Noles off the basepaths. Cliff Bluml had five hits, while Jeff Stanley (two doubles) and Larry Oser added four apiece in the win.

The Ageless One, Al Chipps, "chipped" in with three hits to celebrate his birthday.

For Seminole Tire, Norm Grubbs made two fine defensive catches in center field to thwart Yates rallys.

Central Security (5-7) beat Schooni's (5-7) 22-14. Tom Walsh (two doubles) led The Securitymen with five hits, while Chet Johnson and Paul Stephenson (double) added four apiece. Ian McCuaig homered in the win.

For Schooni's, Tom Ashley (double) and John McCallum had five hits each. Bill Gallagher went deep for The Restauranteurs.

Following the game, a large sheet cake with a picture of the Chipps' family was served to the players and onlookers. All gathered around Al for a chorus of "Happy Birthday."

Al flashed his ever-present smile, because this time, he heard the music loud and clear.

For further league information, please visit lpsoftball.com.

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