The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Huffers and Puffers have a good old time
Senior softball league holds opening day
If they were huffing and puffing, they certainly weren’t showing it. Not on opening day. On April 17 at the fields next to Mentor High School, 20 players who agree age is just a number showed up for the longtime Huffers and Puffers Senior Softball League’s opening day.
There’s really no age limit for the league, said Dick Honkala, who’s run it since 2008.
Most of the players are in their 60s. The oldest, 86-year-old Frank Skufca of Wickliffe, threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
A little after 10 a.m. on April 17, the league began another season. What anniversary the new campaign marked was anyone’s guess.
Most could not pinpoint the origins of the Huffers and Puffers.
“The mid ’80s, I think,” said Honkala, a Painesville Township resident.
It doesn’t really matter to these guys, who are thrilled to still be playing the game they love.
The league features two players in their 80s. Including Skufca, there is Tom Danko, who lives in Mentor and is 85. He doesn’t look it.
Speaking of defying age, on June 13, the league will welcome back longtime league member Bob Jones, who lives 10 months out of the year in Florida, returning to his hometown of Mentor in June and July. Jones will turn 90 on June 13.
Honkala said the league has 32 paid members this season, with three newbies.
One of those newbies was Tim Skowronski of Richmond Heights. His wife Judi was watching and smiling as her husband
played in the outfield.
“What a great way for these guys to stay active,” said Judi. “It looks like a lot of fun for them.”
Cost is $15, a bargain to rekindle the love affair each has with the game. That’s why the players show up.
The Huffers and Puffers meet Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Mentor High fields. Last year, the season lasted until early November.
“Guys can show up whenever they want,” said Honkala. “We make sure everyone has fun.”
That’s why 63-yearold Paul Lumadua of Willoughby plays as much as possible.
“There’s never a fight or an argument,” he said. “We just enjoy the game.”
On April 17, the game pitted the Civics vs. the Pilots in honor of the league’s new sponsor, Honda of Mentor,
which donated money for Honkala to buy 50 Huffers and Puffers T-shirts.
For Ron Sovak, the start of each season is two-fold. It’s not only time to dust off his glove, but also to stay in shape.
Weather permitting, the 64-year-old rides his mountain bike to and from the ballpark. He lives in Concord, 10 miles from the Mentor fields.
“I love it,” said Sovak. “It’s great exercise.”
Sovak said the ride to the ballpark is mostly downhill. It’s a bit more daunting the way back.
“My legs are going to feel it Tuesday,” said Sovak, with a smile.
Smiles were everywhere on this day, especially for Robin Jones Olds, daughter of Bob Jones. The Perry resident showed up about halfway through the opener. The Huffers and Puffers holds a special place for her, mostly because of her dad, who’s probably the best player in the league — when he shows up in June.
Until then, the players who get that title are Skufca and Danko.
“We figure if they’re in their 80s, and can get here and play pretty well, they’re the best players in the league,” said Honkala.
It’s that line of thinking that keeps the Huffers and Puffers coming to the park.
“It’s the guys’ attitude,” said Honkala, when asked his favorite thing about the league. “They don’t care if they win or lose, but they are competitive.”