Angels In The Outfield

We connected with Doc today following his injury. Our fellow Softball Club member and AL player, Doc Doxtader was seriously injured while playing in Prescott yesterday. He explains that he was standing on 2nd base with bases loaded. He was told the batter hit a low bullet to the pitcher and it hit the end of his glove as ball passed him. Bounced and hit him in the upper mouth area. He never saw the ball. He lost 4 teeth and has a fractured maxillary sinus. Doc thinks maybe he was their 5th infielder??? To follow the feed on AZ Senior Softball FB page: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AJpGhXPiE/?

 Let's keep him in our thoughts and prayers for the procedures ahead and for comfort and healing. I believe he is still hospitalized. 

Connect with Doc: Richard "Doc" Doxtader 928.246.5010 

Cards and Encouragements: 10617 W Saratoga Cir, Sun City, AZ 85351

April 24, 2025

John Joseph Collins Sr, age 82, passed away March 30, 2025 in Peoria, AZ. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Lakeview Recreation Center Social Hall #1 (east side) 10626 W. Thunderbird Blvd, Sun City, AZ 85351. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to smiles4miles.org, a non-profit organization helping children battling cancer. 

Obituary Retrieved today from: https//www.azcentral.com/obituaries/pazs1145805 

We understand John was a Sidewinder and and active member of our softball communities. He lived in Sun City. Let's keep the family in our prayers.

April 24, 2025

We were so glad to hear from Jimmy yesterday about his surgery outcome. He is home recovering from his "jiffy (left) knee replacement" procedure. Jimmy said "it all went well". He thanks everyone for our prayers and "_____cookies are welcomed". Uh Oh. This might just be the start of being overwhelmed by sweets, Jimmy. You may need to share with Jenny and Lori!!!!! 

Let's continue our prayers for comfort and healing as Jim recovers. 

Jimmy: 405.990.5143 

Cards and Encouragements: 12015 N Saint Anne’s Dr, Sun City 85351

April 24, 2025

We checked in with Larry after he was injured on Tuesday while trying to beat the throw to first base. He was taken to the ED to be evaluated. He suffered a broken collar bone and gouge in his knee. Larry is recovering at home. He said he just needs to take it easy for a while. Heal and rest well, Larry! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Hope to see you at the field really soon! 

 Larry: 701.371.5747 

 Cards and Encouragements: 12247 N Augusta Dr, Sun City 85351

April 20, 2025

We connected with Peggy Jo yesterday about Frankie's upcoming surgery re-schedule. His procedure date is confirmed for Friday, May 9th at 7am. The vascular medical team will be performing bypass surgery to clear the blockages in his legs. Our prayers continue now with focus for successful surgery and recovery as well for Peggy Jo and Frankie as they, once again, await the date. 

They both would like to thank everyone for all the prayers and cards and calls. They truly appreciate your support! 

Contact the Faciano's: Frank: 708-221-3460 Peggy Jo: 623.866.3980 

Cards and Encouragements: 10408 W Cheryl Dr, Sun City, AZ 85351

April 4, 2025

Frankie's surgery that was scheduled for yesterday at 1:30 pm was cancelled due to the surgeon's emergency surgery conflict. Peggy Jo will stay in touch on Monday when they reschedule. We'll keep you up to date. She said it is a struggle and let down because they prepare for surgery and now again wait. Let's pray for them in the interim that they find peace and trust that this is the Lord's timing. 

 March 23, 2025

We have an update for you about Frankie's surgery date. Peggy Jo connected with us to let us know he is scheduled for surgery Friday, April 4th. His vascular medical team will be performing bypass surgery to clear the blockages in his legs. Our prayers continue now with focus for successful surgery and recovery as well for Peggy Jo and Frankie as they await the date. 

March 6, 2025

We understand Frank had been struggling with the loss of feeling in his legs. Frank's wife, Peggy Jo, connected with us this week about Frank's health. They asked we get the word out to the softball family. 

"They did an angiogram a couple of weeks ago, but they were unable to clear the leg blockage. We saw a cardio vascular surgeon who said he needs to do a bypass surgery on the legs which are blocked 90% in the right leg and 100% in the left leg. They will be doing that as soon as the doctor can get it scheduled. Prayers are appreciated! I will let you know when it gets scheduled. Thank you again for all your prayers. Peggy Jo & Frank Faciano" 

We are thankful that the Coppess' stay in touch with us during Ron's treatment. Ellyn contacted us yesterday with an update on Ron. This reminder that they continue to persevere through his treatment and our thoughts and prayers go along with them. Here's her message to the Softball Family: 

"Our journey is progressing well for the most part. It has been a little more difficult than Ron originally thought, to work out much at a time. All that is going on inside of him is stealing his energy. 

He is getting excellent care. They are now weaning him off the immunosuppressants. They do this slowly so Ron’s cells won’t work against the donor’s. 

At the lab yesterday, Ron and a stranger, who was waiting for his wife with a serious brain tumor, briefly shared their stories. In parting the man shared, 'Everyday when I wake up I have a choice. I can choose faith and light or…..fear and darkness.' Don’t we all make that choice in our difficult times? Ron and I choose faith and light! We miss you all, yet feel your support. Ellyn and Ron" 

Coppess' MN address: 

3537 Third Place NW Rochester MN 55901 

Ron 517.526.4873; Ellyn 517.526.4916

April 9, 2025 Update - Jim's Service Information

We've heard it said at the field: "We lost a good man." 

Here is Jim's memorial service information: 

A Memorial service will be held in Arizona in Sun City on April 19th at 11:00 AM at Menke Funeral Home 12420 N. 103rd Ave. Sun City AZ. A Mass of Christian Burial will we said on Saturday May 31, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church 919 W. Main St. Palmyra, WI. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Palmyra. 

His obituary was retrieved today from: https://www.menkefuneralhome.com/obituaries/james-smith 

Dorothy Harms 10232 W Sutters Gold Ln, Sun City 85351 

Dorothy: 623.512.5724

April 5, 2025

With heavy hearts we pass along this incredibly sad news. Dorothy called last evening to let us know that Jim succumbed to his illness and died peacefully with his loved ones at his side. Let's keep Dorothy and the family in our thoughts and prayers in their time of loss. Dorothy will keep us informed about his service. 

March 13, 2025 

Jim and Dorothy would like to update our friends in the club about his health. He had been recently hospitalized. He is now at home recovering from pneumonia. They ask for your prayers for Jim while he is restored to good health.