SYLVANIA SENIOR SOFTBALL

Roy Woodworth looks ahead, not back - celebrating his 12th year at Sylvania!

Roy Woodworth, Twelve year veteran of Sylvania Senior Softball League

By Victor Gerald

In 2010, Roy Woodworth's good friend, Charles McMillen* introduced him to Pacesetter Park and the Sylvania Senior Softball League. A 45-minute ride (one-way), from Adrian, Michigan to Pacesetter is a route Roy has been driving for 12-years. The league was established in 2008 and was attracting players from Ohio and Michigan. Excited by the beautiful playing fields and having found a Senior league - Roy joined - and today he's looking at 2023 and his 13th year.

"Since joining the SSS League I have enjoyed playing with and against many talented and great guys", Roy said. "Winning and losing is not the most important aspect of the SSS League - it's the comradery, fun and making true, long-lasting friendships", he concluded.

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS! August 16, 2022, Jeff Traudt's State Farm team was competing in the Masters League, playing against League winner Ott Plumbing in the SSS Tournament finals. In the 6th inning, bases loaded, two outs, Roy lined a double to right center, scoring two big runs. He added two more hits and a total of 4- RBI in State Farm's 23-13 upset win over Ott for the Masters Tournament Championship.

Woodworth was born December 23, 1941, in Highland Park, Michigan. His first grade class was held in a typical one-room school in South Branch, MI.

He started playing baseball in his Dad's Club at 12, the Babe Ruth league at 14 and was drafted by the American Legion at 17.

In 1960, Woodworth attended Adrian College, where he excelled playing first base. After leaving college, he organized an independent team of older men in Adrian and competed against the local Legion teams. "I've been playing ball, all my life", Roy stated.

As interest in baseball declined, like many other good players, Roy joined a slow-pitch softball team. "I thought to myself - slow pitch softball, what a "sissy" game". Three years later, he was still playing that "sissy" game, but with respect and admiration for the many fine and talented young men who loved the game", he added. The first softball team he joined, needed a third baseman - and he's still playing the "Hot Corner". When Woodworth joined the SSS league, he quickly established himself as a solid, good fielding third baseman, with a strong excellent arm. Today, at 80 - he's still there, and doing one "helluva" job.

Roy Woodworth retired in 2015 as a Financial Advisor for Ameraprise Inc.

He and his wife Dee are blessed with five children; Shelly, Gwen, Heather, Katrina and Kent. They have seven grandchildren. Shelly is a regular at the park, keeping score for Dad's team.

In the Spring of 2023, hopefully, we'll see Roy, the "Gray-Fox" Woodworth and his worn, beat-up mitt at third - staring down hitters and making sure-handed plays.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Roy Woodworth retired in April 2023 after 12-years in the SSS league.)

*Charles McMillen died January 1, 2018.

Lambertville local Sid Siddall’s heart is in 107.7 “The Wolf”

As reported in The Bedford Press, July 5, 2022

107.7 “The Wolf” boasts an engaging selection of country music hits. Program director and host Sid Siddall runs the station from his home here in Lambertville.

By Ellie McMunn, Reporter
As of 2021, Lambertville has become source to a unique and thriving country music hub. During COVID, 107.7 FM “The Wolf” downsized in location, but that doesn’t mean it downsized in heart and desire to serve local country fans. The Wolf’s program director Sid Siddall moved to Lambertville in 2020, and in 2021, he welcomed the station into his home by building a home studio in January. Since then, The Wolf has broadcast from there, adding to the engaging outputs of the Bedford community. Sid Siddall, who hosts a segment on The Wolf, has a unique backstory that makes him the perfect fit for a radio station. Sid is a Toledo native, who attended Whitmer High School as a teen. Before he settled into the radio industry later in life, Sid spent a long time as a notable Toledo musician. He’s played with various top local bands (predominantly as a drummer), including Shyster, High Society, The Affair, Rodney Parker and Liberty Beach, MAS FiNA, and currently the band “Out of the Blue,” which falls within the classic rock and country genres. During his time playing with The Affair in the 1980s, Sid and the band were invited on the “Glostnost” tour, which involved them touring Lithuania and the Soviet Union. This tour included performing at the Olympic Hockey Arena in Moscow, which had previously hosted such icons as Billy Joel, who recorded there the video for “Back in the USSR.” Sid also did a tour playing drums for international recording artist Dennis Yost and the Classics IV, who had hits in the late 60’s with Spooky, Stormy, Traces of Love and Every Day With You Girl. In 1993, Sid entered the radio world as a staff member for WYOT. Here, he held such roles as production director and then later program director. After being let go from that station in 2011, he took a job at The Wolf in 2012. Since then, he’s hosted the 3 to 7 p.m. slot since, and now is the program director for the station, which he runs from his home in Lambertville. Sid’s unique life and takes enable him to be an engaging host, and he expertly stacks the radio with some of the best country tracks available. The Wolf is unique as a station because it integrates all corners of the country genre, from modern hits from artists like Gabby Barrett to the classics from artists like Johnny Cash. “We’re the best of both worlds,” Sid stated, believing that their unique mix of country hits allows anyone to enjoy their station. The Wolf can be found at 107.7 FM, as well as online at 107.7 The Wolf on several platforms. Sid Siddall hosts “The Howling Ride Home” on weekdays from 3 to 7 p.m., where listeners will find great music, as well as Sid’s unique takes on the news of the day. Sid can also be found by his current band, Out of the Blue, which can be found at Out of the Blue Music on Facebook and other platforms. Information about their upcoming shows in Swanton, Toledo, Luna Pier, and more can be found there.

SSS elder statesman, Paul Pierce, reflects on a lifetime of sports and a love for the game!

IRON MAN: Paul Pierce has survived a triple-bypass and two total knee replacements. He's currently playing for Harvard Barber Shop.

On July 24, 2018, Paul Pierce celebrated his 83rd birthday and 11 years of playing in the Sylvania Senior Softball League. Paul joined the league in 2008, the year it was founded.
“We won the league going 17-1 and Bruce Anderson was our coach,” Paul said. "Great fun!"
Paul was 12 years old when he joined the Toledo Knothole League as a pitcher. Years later, he pitched for Woodward High School and the Wilcox Sports Federation team. An 11-1 record got Paul voted to the All-Star game at Swayne Field — the one-time home of the Toledo Mud Hens, at the corner of Detroit and Monroe street.
“All our Fed games were played on open diamonds. No pitcher's mound. At Swayne Field, pitching off a professional mound was a great treat. A real ego booster,” Paul stated.
In 1955, Paul joined the U.S. Army. Stationed in Germany, he tried out for their Regimental baseball team and made the roster. For two years, Paul travelled across Germany, playing baseball. He also played Regimental basketball.
“Unbelievable! What a life!
What one event does Paul still remember fondly?
“Looking back at my sports career, I'd have to say pitching in the Fed All-Star game was the high point for me."
Currently, playing on Tuesdays for Harvard, Paul has overcome many hurdles — including a triple bypass surgery in 2015 and knee replacements in 2016 and 2018.
When players see Paul using his antique ball glove — a Ty Cobb vintage, they crack up laughing. He vehemently defends wearing it, even today. Maybe it's older than he is.
An advertising sales rep for the Toledo Blade, Paul retired in 1999. He is happily married, has 5 children and 18 grandchildren.
When asked about his future in playing ball, Paul replied: “I'd like to play two more years. We'll see. I take one year at a time. One thing I know - I like this league and the great friends I've made over the years."

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Paul Pierce retired after the 2019 season.)