Letter: Tribute to softball players a 'wonderful' piece

• The Des Moines River "Rats"

Submitted photo, courtesy of Westbrook Sentinel archives Following their Westbrook League championship in 1955, members of the Des Moines River Township “Rats” posed for a team picture. Front row, from left, Duane Jans, Jim Bloch and Bud Kuehl. Second row, Robert “Buster” Chapman, Don Hanson,, Arliss LaMaack, Lee Bass, Bob Bloch, Vernon Jarmer, Doug Kuehl and Clayton LaMaack. Back row, Kenny Jans, Stanley “Shorty” Jans, LaVerne “Butch” Soll and John Jans. The team played fast-pitch softball through the entire decade of the 1950s.

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I would like to thank Les Knutson for the wonderful write-up in “Blast from the Past” about Des Moines River “Rats” softball team.

These guys have been friends for more than 60 years and had so much fun playing fast-pitch softball. We enjoy getting together for a reunion every year to talk about the “good old days” and what our families our doing. These kids, our babies and toddlers grew up going to games with wives who supported the guys. It was a different time when families were together for entertainment and life was simpler.

So, for all the River Rats, wives and families, I’m thankful for the tribute to these wonderful husbands, fathers and friends.

Tags: opinion, letters, sports