Published July 09. 2021 06:20AM
By LOU WHEELAND
Special to The Press
The 17th annual Justin Sheftel Memorial Softball Tournament took place June 19 at the Lehigh County Sports Fields, South Whitehall Township.
Sixteen teams were in play this year with many of the players having been team mates of Justin, who was killed by a drunken driver while on vacation after graduation, or attending Parkland High School while he was a student there.
Funds raised during the tournament sponsor academic scholarships and support nonprofit community organizations aiding underserved children.
Former Phillies pitcher Steve “Lefty” Carlson was on hand to teach a sports performance class.
Carlson, whose appearance was sponsored by St. Luke’s Orthopaedics, played for six major league teams and was a four-time Cy Young Award winner, as well as leading the Phillies to win the 1980 World Series.
He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1994.
PRESS PHOTOS BY LOU WHEELAND Volunteer Nikki Gingrich was key to the success of the Justin Sheftel Memorial Softball Tournament June 19 at the Lehigh County Sports Field, South Whitehall Township.
PRESS PHOTOS BY LOU WHEELAND ABOVE: Lisa Zinker and Jeanne Haddad of South Whitehall prepare T-shirts for the players at the Justin Sheftel Memorial Softball Tournament.
ABOVE: Volunteer coordinator Lynn Schiavone of South Whitehall and sister, Diane Goff, score keeper, from Florida, an Orefield native, smile for the camera.
LEFT: On hand to perform a “Buzzed Driving” demonstration are South Whitehall Police Sgt. Eric Dotter, Highway Safety Network Traffic Safety Coordinator Tracy Fox, and Community Liaison Police Officer Jason Grozier.
RIGHT: Connecting with the ball is Lucky 7's Ryan Schmit.
“Luck of the Irish” team members Andrew Roth, Ethan Imler, Sean Murphy, Matthew Gibbons, Jake Varrato, Jack Jenkins, George Jenkins, Michael Jenkins, Chris Alvarez and Tyler Bruno were pleased to have a photo with (center) Hall of Fame pitcher Steve “Lefty” Carlton.
Class of '04 members Bret Kresge, Adam Young and Nick Smith visit with (second from left) Steve “Lefty” Carlson.
PRESS PHOTO BY LOU WHEELAND Linda and Elliot Sheftel and a poster showing son, Justin, who was killed by a drunken driver while on vacation in 2005 in Maryland. Additional photos appear on page A5.
