One is an attorney who helped us get our corporation papers filed, we have several firemen, and numerous college professors. One of the sponsors, who owns a farm equipment store, also plays. Pope says one of the most important messages he passes on to his players is the need to stretch before games. Lubbock, a West Texas city of about 300,000, loves softball, said Pope. But the popularity of the sport causes some problems, as well.
Every diamond is taken.
We are trying to get a new complex built to meet the demand. The Lubbock Club expects to have 8 teams playing in the 1999 season and put together a tournament team. Pope played senior softball with the Sacramento Golden Seniors from 1983 until he moved back to Lubbock in 1997. Pope's only regret is that he missed a chance to play senior ball in Sacramento with his son, Tommy, who will be turning 50 next year.