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By Penny Fletcher
penny@observernews.net
SUN CITY CENTER - A former meat cutter and apartment complex superintendent, Clarence “Spanky” Thompson also has a long history in sports. When not creating one-of-a-kind lamps and bowls and other items from a variety of woods in his garage (turned fully-stocked wood shop) the 82-year old Sun City Center man can usually be found on the golf course or the softball field.
Most residents know him simply as “Mr. Softball.” Because of this, he was nominated by his fellow players- and in September, was inducted - into the Senior Softball Hall of Fame in a ceremony held in Dalton, Ga.
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| Penny Fletcher Photo
Clarence “Spanky” Thompson of Sun City Center, has been playing baseball all his life and was recently inducted into the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame. Seated among a few of his medals, plaques and awards, most of his memorabilia is meticulously kept in scrapbooks by his wife, Vera. |
“He is one of my all-time heroes,” said Nancy Williams, who first called Spanky’s induction to my attention. “Most people don’t realize he is also an accomplished golfer at Caloosa Country Club. They just know about his softball.”
I found that there’s a good reason for that.
Spanky has played ball since he was old enough to stand in the field. Already accomplished by the age of 12, he played on the (grown) men’s team in his home town of Bath, N.Y. and later played semi-pro ball for the St. Louis Cardinals.
He moved to Sun City Center in 1990 from Chapel Hill, N.C., where after “supposedly retiring” from the meat company of which he was part owner in New York, he had held a job as superintendent of a 320-unit apartment complex where he lived with his wife, Vera.
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| Since moving to Sun City Center in 1990, “Spanky” has been involved with slow-pitch softball, although much of his background is in regular baseball. Known by his teammates as “Mr. Softball,” he takes whatever position is necessary for the good of the team and was nominated by his peers for entrance into the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame, into which he was inducted Sept. 5 in Dalton, Ga. |
Since moving to Sun City Center he has been involved with competitive slow-pitch softball. He plays two to three times a week and also plays on the 70-plus Sun City Travelers team. Fellow Travelers encouraged him to participate on teams that played in national tournaments, including the Senior Games and Good Life Games.
He did, beginning in 1993, when he joined the Home Depot Floridians as its shortstop. Then he played on Hotel Tremont for a year and has also played for other well-known teams including Center for Sight and Kids and Kubs, during which time Kids and Kubs won two national championships.
Spanky received both titles: Best Offense and Best Defense during this time and has also taken other titles, including All-American 1st Team; Team’s Most Valuable Player; All Star Team Award; and All American.
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| Penny Fletcher Photos
These are just a few of the more memorable of “Spanky’s” baseball and softball medals. |
But too much traveling took its toll and he later decided to play only closer to home.
His extensive application for the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame is especially impressive because it was made by people other than Spanky himself.
One of those who signed the application, Mike Tedesco, writes, “Spanky is a ‘complete’ player, Hit-Run-Field. He is s student of the game, always alert, and brings commitment and energy in all phases of the game.”
Bob White, who for many years wrote a baseball column about the local Travelers team, describes him as a “great guy you can always count on to do his best.”
“Although he is basically a shortstop, he’ll play any position if the team needs him,” Bob said.
Spanky’s name and photograph with his trophy will now go to the Senior Softball Hall of Fame Museum in Mustang, Okla., said Paul Oliver.
Echoing Bob’s description, Paul said, “Spanky is an unselfish team player, which I personally love. A great shortstop, he agrees to play in the outfield when our need is critical and he excels there as well. He is always available as a substitute runner, is a team player, and is willing to help in any capacity.”
Spanky- who is not known locally by his given name, Clarence- has three grown children who live in other states, five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
He will be 83 in November and is still described as a valuable asset to his team.
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