A FEW ACTS OF HONESTY SPARK HOPE

June 1, 2010 – Senior Softball-USA

Gary Deaton, 60, has been playing senior softball for the past 10 years, mostly with the Hollis Appraisals, a Major Plus team out of Florida.

The 6-foot-2, 250 pound pitcher, who is known as a brash man who carries a big stick, had a terrible year in 2009 being diagnosed with a cancerous blood disease and losing his only child in a hit and run accident.

But things have started to change in his life and it all started while playing at the Tournament of Champions. After winning the home run title in the 60 and up division, he and his date went to the Cracker Barrel for a quiet meal. The next morning, he discovered that he had lost his wallet.

A quick trip back to the restaurant and Gary learned that a couple had found his wallet in the parking lot. All his money and credit cards were there and the couple did not even leave their name.

After his team won the 55 Major Plus Division, he stopped off at a friend’s home in Jacksonville, before heading to his home a few miles away. When he got home he discovered that his truck’s tailgate was down and his bat bag was missing. In it were his cleats, bats, gloves and well as the home run hitting bat that he had just won. He didn’t have an ID on the bag so he figured it was gone for good.

But the next day, he got a call from Senior Softball-USA telling him someone in Jacksonville had found the bag with no ID but a senior softball card. Senior Softball did a little detective work and found that the bag was his.

“Twice in three days I have had unknown but honest people bail me out,” the thankful Deaton said. “Last year was the worst ever for me, but I believe this year will be one of my best ever. Once again, thank you to the good people out there and all of my softball friends throughout this fantastic country of ours.”