OBITUARIES - 8/13/21

Aug. 1, 2021

Michael J. Baptista

“Big Mike” Baptista, who was known for towering home runs and an equally towering smile and booming laugh, died July 31.

Baptista was well known on the ballfields of Northern California until a few years ago when he developed serious kidney problems.  Baptista played for some of the top teams in Northern California, including Cal Energy, Roll With 2 and Wilson Trophy.

“Mike by far was the most popular Cal Energy player of all time,” said Cal Energy Manger Bill Hill. “He was an original player on the Cal Energy Team when the Team changed from Wilson Trophy in 2008. Mike was an excellent First Baseman and could hit with power.  He always kept the team loose and provided  leadership to all the team members.”

Sometimes, it takes a completely non-softball incident to capture the true humor and nature of a person.

“A few years after my divorce, Mike convinced me – and it took all of his charm to convince me – to go to a concert, because he was sure I needed to get out to non-softball places to meet people,” said Terry Hennessy, SSUSA’s CEO, who played with Baptista on Wilson Trophy. “So, I finally agreed and he asked me what I was going to wear to the concert.

“I was a bit taken aback and said, ‘Well I guess one of my softball t-shirts and jeans.’  He looked at me a long time and said, ‘No, I’ll bring you something.’

“So, that night, he came with some friends to pick me up and brought a very stylish shirt. He said, ‘Here, you need this.’”

“I still smile every time I think about it,” said Hennessy.

Baptista leaves behind his wife Patty, daughter Monica, (husband Brian), daughter Maria (husband Ryan), grandchildren Isaiah, Elijah, Jeremiah, Selah, mother Mary, brothers Donnie, Johnny, Djica, sisters, Brenda, Robyn, TerryLee, Cherie, stepmother Nana. 

Mike’s brother, Donnie, summed it up: “My brother was always larger than life. Ever since he was young, whenever he walked into a room, the room just lit up.  He has so many people who love him, both family and friends.  When you were with him, he had an innate ability of making you feel as if you were the most important person in the room.

“Michael was truly an old soul, living by the old ways of our fathers & grandfathers.”

David E. Christiansen

David Christiansen, 75, of New Berlin, Wis., died on August 1.

A long-time member of Michael’s, Christiansen last played with the 70s team during the 2017 season. He also played with Handeland Flooring and Cooney Classics, among others.

“Dave was the most loved umpire in Wisconsin Senior Softball,” said Thom Mikich, Tournament Director of the Milwaukee Classic.  “He was the head umpire for the Milwaukee Classic Wounded Warriors Tournament, and helped make the tournament a success, raising over $50,000, to date, for Wounded Warriors."

“I never met a person that didn’t like Dave,” continued Mikich. “Field No. 1 at McCarty Park in West Allis will be named in honor of David Christiansen.”

Christiansen was a Social Studies teacher for over 30 years at Milwaukee Marshall High School. He also coached baseball and basketball at the school.

Daniel Scott Peterson

Daniel Peterson, 64, of Chandler, AZ died on June 28.

Peterson was a big help to SUSSA over the years as a UIC in the Phoenix area, particularly at Papago Park Softball Complex, Mountain Vista Park, and the Scottsdale complexes.

A native of North Dakota and graduate of the University of North Dakota, Peterson lived in Chandler for more than 25 years.

Peterson was affiliated with the Southwest Umpire Association for most of his time in Arizona, heading the organization in 2016. A diligent umpire and leader, Peterson was affectionately known as the Governor.

Mark Michael Syzdek

Mark Syzdek, 70, of Cape Coral, FL/Washington, MI, died on June 17.

An active softball player and umpire, Syzdek was a member of USA Softball of Metro Detroit. For his efforts, Syzdek was inducted into the USA Softball Metro Detroit Hall of Fame in the Manager Category, as part of the Class of 2020.

Syzdek was also the long-time manager of Golden Vipers 55 and Golden Vipers 60 (now Pet Supplies Plus 60).

Michael Welch

Mike Welch, 75, of Hermosa Beach, Calif., died on June 7.

Welch was a member of the Git-R-Done softball organization, playing on the 65, 70, and 75 teams. He also played on the Marauders 65 team.

A native of Rhode Island, Welch was a member of the United States Air Force, achieving the rank of Chief Master Sargent. Throughout his 24-year career in the Air Force as a Loadmaster, Welch earned numerous citations and awards for his service, which included Vietnam.

Following his military service, Welch built a 26-year career at Boeing.

Myron Pembrook

Myron Pembrook, 72, of Banning, Calif. died on May 12.

Pembrook began playing SSUSA in 2012 with Top Gun 60 Softball Team. He most recently played with Top Gun Olde Dawgs 70, and also played with Git-R-Done 65, So Cal Titans 55 and Base Hawgs 60.

He was also a member of the Menifee Valley Upper Division Senior Softball league.

“Myron passed away after playing in Top Gun Reno Tuneup Tournament in Perris, doing what he loved, playing ball,” said Rick Fisher, manager of Top Gun Olde Dawgs.

“Myron was co-founder of the Top Gun Olde Dawg Softball team in Southern California and played in numerous leagues,” added Fisher. “He also played for the Senior Softball USA team in Germany (2012) and Italy (2015).  He will be missed.”

Kevin James Crotts

Kevin Crotts, 51, of Denton, Md., died on April 9.

Crotts had recently begun playing SSUSA, joining Team RG Insurance 40 in 2020. He was set to play with the team again in 2021.

Crotts had a passion for softball and enjoyed spending his weekends batting with his teammates.

Ralph J. Santos

Ralph Santos, 77, of Apple Valley, Calif., died on Feb. 23.

Santos was long time member of the Git-R-Done organization, playing on the 55s, 60s, 65s, 70s, 75s, and this season, with the 80s.

“It was very unexpected,” said George Scully, former teammate, on Santos’ passing. “He was a great player, a great friend, and great man!”