Senior softball team wins league for late coach

Published 6:23 pm Friday, August 9, 2024

Bill Tupper had a passion for many things — his children, grandchildren and children, along with his dog, Shorty, plus his love for golf and softball.

Tupper loved playing softball and was scheduled to begin coaching a team this season in the Tyler Senior Softball Association.

He drafted his 2024 team in February. Tupper paid for his team’s registration and bought game balls, Chad Chadwick, USA Softball of Texas District 25 Slowpitch Commissioner, said. He rounded up some jerseys for the spring season and began the process of designing and ordering jerseys.

But he passed away suddenly on March at his home on Lake Palestine. He was 71.

After his team celebrated Bill’s life on March 23, the squad dedicated the 2024 softball year to him.

Joel Avita moved from assistant coach to head coach. He said he was brought up to speed on the league coaching rules.

“The team rallied around Joel and dedicated the season/year in Bill’s honor,” Chadwick said.

After placing third in the spring league with a 5-3 record, the team captured the Summer League title with a record of 7-1. The summer season began in June and concluded on Aug. 8.

Members of the championship team include: Dan Ledkins, Shirley Miles, Tina Grissom, Velma Medina, Jim Dunklin, Carey Copeland, Andre Esparza, Mike Freeman, Chip Crist, Shawn McKenzie and Coach Joel Avitia. Bill’s daughter, Jennifer Whitman, who was on hand to accept the championship plaque in her father’s honor, is an honorary member of the team.

The team will now shoot for another crown in the fall.

Bill, who was in the Tyler Morning Telegraph press for more than 10 years, is survived by his three children Renee B. Tupper of Port Neches, Jennifer L. Whitman of Port Neches, and James C. Tupper of North East, Pennsylvania; Five grandchildren Kayla Rapone, Aleksandra Tupper, Gage Whitman, Micah Askew, and Ava Tupper; Two great grandchildren Kane and Kylie Adams; and Siblings, sister Cheryl Tupper of Burlington, Vermont, and brothers Daniel (Linda) Tupper of New Llano, Louisiana and David Tupper of Spencer, West Virginia.

For information on the Tyler Senior Softball Association, which was founded in 2005, contact Chadwick (903-245-2230) and Benny Mott (903-574-1241).

The league is open to men and women ages 50 and over. Games are scheduled for Tuesday nights at Lindsey Park.