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Las Amigas Discover a Field of Friends in Tucson

May 1, 2000 – Senior Softball-USA

TUCSON, Arizona ˆ For the past 30 years, the Las Amigas have played with ˆ or against ˆ each other here.

They grew up in different areas of Tucson , with different aspirations, but with a common love ˆ softball. The Las Amigas women's 45+ team includes teachers, a UPS driver, a rocket scientist, an accountant, an ICU nurse, an assay official, and many mothers and grandmothers.

" We call ourselves ŒLas Amigas' because we have been friends as long as we can remember ˆ on and off the field," said Tille Lopez, Las Amigas manager.

"Many of us played against each other when fast-pitch was so competitive," said Lopez, 57, who also pitches and plays outfield. "We decided to get together to play the winter league in Tucson last year to see what we could do. We came in second and said, ŒHey, we can do this,'" said Lopez.

The Las Amigas competed in the SSWC Las Vegas Challenge Cup in April, posting a very respectable 2-3 record in competition with some of the top women's teams in the nation.

Lopez sees a great future for her team.

"We are just beginning to gel as a unit," she said. "We are getting stronger every tournament. We will be very good because I have a team of athletes. They have stayed in shape and always played sports ˆ and they play with heart."

In one play during the Las Vegas Challenge Cup, shortstop Gloria Strickland, 46, dove for a grounder, scooped it up and tossed it to second in one fluid motion, setting up a beautifully executed double play.

Left fielder Beverly McIntyre made several excellent throws from deep in the outfield to catch runners at first base ˆ twice. Yes, first base.

"They know what they are doing," said coach Al Samorano. "They all played on different teams, but they are coming together. You can see the camaraderie. Besides, they have a total of about 2,000 years of experience," he said.

"We love the camaraderie and the game," said Lopez, "and softball will help us live longer and healthier and be more active."

The Las Amigas include:

- Tillie Lopez, 57, manager, pitcher and outfielder, teaches a Headstart Program for pre-schoolers.

- Angie Jessup, 50, rover, is a staff accountant.

- Josie Powe, 54, pitcher and first base, is a nurse in an intensive care unit (ICU).

- Alice Redondo, 51, center-fielder is retired and takes care of her 22-month-old grandson.

- Gloria Strickland, 46, shortstop, is also active in golf, volleyball and bowling ˆ and raising a son and daughter who also play softball.

- Erlinda Soto, 53, first base, works with special needs children.

- Hilda Samorano, 50, second base, helped set up computers that design missiles at the Raytheon Missile Company.

- Beverly McIntyre, 46, left field, is a driver for UPS.

- Eva Lopez, 60, outfield, works in the Tucson School District.

- Betty Jo Pedraza, 51, pitcher and utility fielder, works for University Physicians as an account representative.

- Mona Garcia, 49, second and third base, is an operating room technician at the University Medical Center.

- Delia Amparano, 56, right field, is retired and volunteers at a local elementary school when she isn't playing ball.

- Sylvia Amparano, 55, right field, coaches a 18-under girls fast-pitch team.

- Sue Sanchez, 49, catcher and utility fielder, is a science delivery driver for the Tucson Unified School District.

- Connie Seras, 60, third base, works in an assay office, checking the quality and content of gold.