Angels In The Outfield

OUR COMPASSIONATE TEAM

Steve Starr

Angels in the Outfield - Chaplain

 Phone: 253.686.2016

Latest Update: September 10, 2026

Angels in the Outfield Committee: Chairman Larry Chapman, phone: 623.933.1265

Christy Burton, Elizabeth Kather, Judy Ickes, Julianna Parker, Lynda Hill, Maria Medina, Melissa Reglein, Sharon Amer, Tina Prosenick

Christie Nunes - Surgery Update

Christie Nunes

September 10, 2026

Christie Nunes, from the Red Team, underwent surgery today to remove a thyroid tumor. She will not be returning for the remainder of the session, as her recovery is expected to take a few weeks. Earlier this week, Christie was in good spirits and very confident in her care team at Banner Boswell. Her good friend Jo will be assisting her throughout her recovery. 

As Christie shared about her surgery she expressed her gratitude for the support from her friends in Sun City. Please keep Christie in your thoughts and prayers as she recovers. Cards and letters are greatly appreciated to help cheer her up during this time. 

Christie: 559.302.8180 
10251 N 105th Av, SC 85351

Tait Douglas - Health Update

Tait Douglas

September 10, 2026

Many of you have been asking about Tait Douglas, one of the founding members of our Softball Club. Tait recently shared that he has moved to a group home in Peoria. While some days are better than others, he remains in good spirits and his mind is as sharp as ever. 

While he has requested no phone calls at this time, he would greatly appreciate receiving cards and letters. 
Please send your cards and letters to: 
Tait Douglas 
9743 W Hedge Hog Place 
Peoria, AZ 85383


John Nickowski - Knee Replacement Surgery

John Nickowski

September 10, 2026

John is going through some post operative complications. He had an infection at the surgery site and is also being medicated for a blood clot in his lungs. Let's continue to pray for John.

August 3, 2026 update

We talked with John yesterday at home recuperating from his July 30th knee replacement surgery. He said he doing fine and the surgery went well. We look forward to him back on the field in his pitching position as soon as he is rehabbed and ready! 

July 29, 2026

He is scheduled for left knee replacement on Thursday, July 30th. John is one of our CL pitchers who has been looking forward to this surgery to relieve his pain. We hope all goes well, John. Prayers for a successful surgery and healthy recovery with a strong restorative rehab ahead!

Cards & Encouragements:
John: 313.213.2583
10929 Willowbrook, Sun City 85373


Wendy Geiwitz - Lung Cancer Treatment Journey

Wendy Geiwitz

July 29, 2026

Wendy is in the middle of immunotherapy; her 2nd treatment is coming up in August. Her physicians are doing some more testing to see how everything is going. She tells us she's feeling good and planning on being on the softball field at the end of October or beginning of November. That's her hope and her goal. She said, "That's what I'm planning on!" Let's continue to keep Wendy in our thoughts and prayers to keep up "feeling good" through the healing process and treatments. 

May 23, 2026

Wendy is having immunotherapy this week and then heading to the midwest to hang in the cooler weather with family. We were able to spend a tiny bit of time with her because she rode her bicycle to the field during Saturday practice. So good to see Wendy out and about! 

May 3, 2026

We caught up with Wendy yesterday afternoon. We understand that her schedule was tedious. Rich and Wendy drive to Mayo on the east side of Phoenix each weekday for her radiation treatment. Just another week left when treatments will be complete. There will be a 3 month break before what's up next; evaluation for the treatment plan. They have arranged to travel back to Minnesota to spend time with family and to enjoy "cooler weather". 

Wendy is grateful to everyone who reached out to her in one way or another; text, calls, cards, and more. The softball family has helped her walk through this new "part of life", as she would describe the lung cancer and treatment. 

Let's keep Rich and Wendy in our thoughts and prayers in the last week of treatment and for their travels to the mid-west. 

March 29, 2026

We talked with Wendy, a NL and HEAT player, yesterday. She let us know that she and Rich are feeling more settled now because they now have steps scheduled in her treatment plan. You will recall, she was diagnosed with lung cancer. Starting Tuesday they will go to Mayo each weekday for some weeks for radiation. She will also have a port implanted ready for her chemo treatments. 

Wendy also wanted us to tell you, friends and members of this softball community, that they feel comforted and supported. Your expressions of care through cards, communications, prayers and more have given them a great gift they truly appreciate. Wendy tells us they are doing fine so far and have no immediate other needs.  
Let's continue to support them with prayer and keep Rich and Wendy in our thoughts as they go through the daily drive to Mayo for necessary treatment to battle this cancer. 

March 6, 2026

Let's continue our support for Wendy. Our last communication we provided information about her upcoming procedure; a bronchoscopy with biopsies. She let us know the diagnosis and a little about what comes next given the findings. There is a growth in her lungs with cancer. Her next appointment is with an oncologist and a future PET or MRI scan. We were able to take time after her game Thursday. We talked at the field because she came Thursday to be with her team and coach 3rd base. 

Let's focus our thoughts and prayers for Wendy and Rich as they continue on this journey. Thank you, Wendy, for what you bring to our club, the leagues, and players. You are a gamer and your presence is an amazing highlight! We pray quality and seamless treatment plans, God's comfort and peace for you and Rich.


February 20, 2026

We talked a bit with Wendy at the field yesterday about her illness. This week she is scheduled to be seen at Mayo and undergo a procedure that will provide a diagnosis for her lung condition. Let's keep our thoughts on and prayers for Wendy and Rich while they navigate this journey through health care and treatment options. All the best for you Wendy! 

Cards and Encouragements: 
Wendy: 763.229.4684 
10139 Concord, Sun City 85351

Vernez Blattner - Prayers for her Health Journey

Vernez Blattner

October 30, 2025 


We talked a bit with Vernez about the health journey she has ahead. She has one kidney and has been diagnosed with stage 4 kidney failure. There is some testing and results coming yet and details will be more clear as to her options. So far Vernez and Tom have identified 3 people who are willing to donate a kidney if it comes to that. In the meantime, she remains active and positive (as always!). 

Let's give the Blattner's our club's great support and love. And, we keep them in our thoughts and prayers for the journey ahead. 

Encouragements and Cards: 
Vernez, 913.907.6674 
Tom, 913.406.4633 
10216 N 105th, Sun City 85351 

Go to the archives "In Memoriam" of our players who have passed for more information, if available.

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