By Shannon Russell
The Cincinnati Enquirer

METRO BRACKETS

These are PDF files: • Major Division • 'A' Division • 'B' Division, Winners bracket • 'B' Division, Losers bracket • 'C' American Division, Winners bracket • 'C' American Division, Losers bracket • 'C' National Division, Winners bracket • 'C' National Division, Losers bracket • 'D' American Division, Winners bracket • 'D' American Division, Losers bracket • 'D' National Division, Winners bracket • 'D' National Division, Losers bracket

Bill Singleton doesn't let anything get between him and his softball passion - not his doctors, not his well-meaning friends, not even his own embattled body.

Singleton has been playing in the Cincinnati Metro ASA City Championship since 1975, and will take right center field Saturday when his Castle Metals/Strategy Communications club debuts in the D division.

The double-elimination tournament has teams from Majors, A, B, C and D classes. Play began Thursday and ends Aug. 4.

The Monford Heights resident is the first to admit that, at 49, the aches and pains associated with softball have been hard to overcome over the years. But he's just glad he's healed from a devastating injury he sustained days after last year's Met.

"I was running one day and I felt my guts come out," Singleton said. "It felt like my stomach was being ripped open, and my intestines were suffocated."

Singleton attributes the injury, in which his intestines broke through his stomach lining, to his merciless exercise regimen and full-body contact approach to softball. The 2-inch scar along his bellybutton doesn't let him forget the consequences.

Recuperation from stomach surgery was supposed to be four weeks, Singleton said. He was back to work in two days. The second day after surgery, he walked 4 miles.

"They told me to walk slowly," Singleton said. "But I wanted to play softball."

Seven days after surgery, he was back on the field.

Longtime friend, teammate and manager Jim Daniels said Singleton's perseverance is an asset to the team. Daniels, who's become Singleton's bowling buddy in recent years, wasn't such a big fan of Singleton back when they were competitors.

"He was so aggressive, we couldn't stand him," Daniels said, laughing.

Daniels and Singleton spend their lunchbreaks at batting cages now, still trying to improve their swings. Singleton throws about 150 balls a day to anyone who'll play catch, usually his sons William, 14, Andrew, 13, and Sean, 10, who's receiving treatments for cancer.

Singleton's resume of softball injuries includes torn hamstring and shoulder muscles, fractured ribs and assorted bruises and cuts.

At last year's Met, Singleton separated his left shoulder when he "played real hard and kind of took out the first baseman and pitcher."

Not playing was not an option, he said. Singleton was moved to first base, where he threw underhand to finish off double plays.

"He was a mess by the end of the year, but he was still diving into second," Daniels said. "And every time we were done, he'd say, 'Thanks for letting me play.' He just loves the game."

Singleton, the leadoff batter, is proud to be the oldest - "and fastest" - player on the team.

Daniels has no doubts that Singleton is back in tip-top softball shape. In fact, he said Singleton's effort is inspirational.

"We knew throwing the ball wouldn't be a problem this year," Daniels said. "Because he's worked so hard."

Singleton attributes his softball love to a chance meeting in the Army from 1972-1975. He tried out the Met when he returned to Cincinnati, and hasn't given it up since.

"I'm going to play until I'm 90," Singleton said. "Or until the final straw. Probably when I can't run anymore."

Cincinnati Metro Softball Championship

Thursday

Class A

Sidelines 15, Kerry Chevrolet 1

Class B

Zang's/Priority One 6, Hoop Dirtbags 5

Winton Tavern 9, Creative Glass 6

Class D - American

Troxlein LaRosa's 5, Chastang Tile Zip Dip 1

Hustler 14, Brandy Meats 6

Killer Bees 3, Schindler Elevator 2

Kentucky Heat 5, Miss Kitty CafÈ 4

Milford Cleaners 5, American Services 4

Northside Clubhouse 6, Linwood CafÈ 4

Team Extreme 10, JTM Charlie Boys 2

Mojo 94.9 AM 8, Kings Ford 5

Gangl Jewelers/Detailed Athletic 10, Champions Triple Crown 9

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E-mail srussell@enquirer.com