ARLINGTON — It didn’t happen last year, but Cascade Valley Hospital was able to form a coed softball team this summer.
“It’s really hard to get people to show interest,” team manager Shawn McGlothlin said. “The employees at the hospital don’t find themselves very athletic.”
But after continuous encouragement he was able to field a team.
“We had a couple of new players this year,” teammate Cindy Mellem said. “As soon as we told them we needed players, they all came out.”
Millem works in medical billing, enjoys the competition and also the social aspect.
“It’s fun, when all the co-workers get together with their families,” she said. “It’s been fun, so it’s sad it’s going to be over.”
Cascade Valley competes in a league formed by Arlington Parks and Recreation. It competed in its last game Aug. 19 at Twin Rivers Park.
“It’s a fun experience win or lose,” McGlothlin added.
McGlothlin works maintenance at Cascade Valley, but like everyone who works indoors all day, he needs to get out. He finds himself playing softball throughout the summer, but also helps other people enjoy it.
To make sure it was a fun experience for everyone, it was important for McGlothlin to not come off as “coachy” to his teammates.
“We’re out here to have fun,” McGlothlin said. “If I see something I’ll say it.”
Teammate Sara Picklesimer also works in billing. She wasn’t able to play last year because she was living somewhere else due to her husband being a Marine.
“I used to play in high school. It’s a fun way to know your work people better,” she said. “It’s nice to blow off some steam and get some exercise.”
But there were others on the team who didn’t work for Cascade but heard about it through friends.
“They actually needed girl players, so they asked me to come out and play,” said Brandi Miller, who goes to hair school.
Others were happy to help, like Shane Farr, who works for Parr Lumbering in Marysville.
“You can’t beat being with and playing with friends,” Farr said. “I like getting out and exercising except the heat I can do without.”
