It’s going, it’s going, it’s gone! Power hitter Corrie Webb of Pickle Liquors gives the ball a long ride in the first game of a doubleheader. PHOTO BY DAVE GIBSON[/caption]

Adult coed slow-pitch softball is a long-standing summer tradition in Gilpin County. The Pickle Liquors squad has been together for 15 years. The latest version of the Gilbillies (short for “Gilpin” and “hillbillies”) was only recently formed, but most of the athletes on the team have played against each other while representing other teams over the years. With the league comprised of merely three diehard teams this year, they are getting to know the competition even better. Every game night is a doubleheader for someone.

I found it slightly unusual that nobody on any of the teams claimed to be a coach - they are just friends gathering once a week for the camaraderie, exercise, and to engage in a sport they enjoy. The scorer’s table was keeping track, but no one else knew or was paying any heed to stats.

In fact, when Tom Ihme of Pickle Liquors was asked the next day about his in-the-park grand slam in the bottom of the first inning that lifted his team to a 7-5 lead, he couldn’t even recall it. Mike Schultz of the Gilbillies also had a HR. A well-muscled Corrie Webb of Pickle Liquors launched several deep shots into left field.

The scoring was fast and furious. With the tally tied at nine apiece after the second inning, Pickle Liquors batted three up and three down the next two innings while the Gilbillies added another five runs, proving to be the difference in the contest. Final score: Gilbillies 16, Pickle Liquors 11.

Standings through June 16: Pickle Liquors 3-1, Gilbillies 3-1, Eldora 0-4.

Coed Adult Softball plays games every Wednesday at Weber Field in Gilpin County at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. through July 28. Spectators are welcome. Teams will compete in the Tonya Putnam Memorial Tournament Saturday, August 7, to determine the champion.

…And camaraderie Above; Elly Orszulak of Eldora beats the throw to first base in the second game of the evening. Right; Shannon Arrington stretches for the softball to make an out. PHOTOS BY DAVE GIBSON[/caption]