Robson Ranch Arizona’s Artie Wachter Retires from Softball
A Farewell to the Field
Robson Ranch Arizona‘s Artie Wachter retires from softball. Recently, and with a heavy heart, the 92-year-old Robson Ranch Arizona resident decided it was time to put his softball-playing days behind him. His final game marks the end of an incredible journey filled with camaraderie, competition, and cherished memories.
A Surprise Send-Off
His final game ended with a complete surprise. Unexpectedly, players from the Robson Ranch Softball Club, as well as some fans, presented Artie with a bat that was signed by all. The crowd filled the entire infield. “It was so heart-wrenching,” Artie remembers. “Being presented with the signed bat from everyone—and some of the women even gave me a kiss. Dixie told me that was a bonus!”
More Than a Game
“It’s so hard to explain,” said Artie, “the feeling I received from all the club members and people from the grandstands. I actually cried. The love I’ve received from everyone is simply amazing. When I was a pro soccer referee, I learned that nobody applauds you. This experience is so much different.”
Sportsmanship at its Finest
Artie has been an active member of the softball club since he and his wife Dixie moved to Robson Ranch in 2014. In his 30+ years of playing organized softball around the country, his biggest moment in the sport came in September 2023, when he was selected to play for the 90 and Over West Softball Team against the 90 and over East Team at a tournament in Las Vegas. “It was something I couldn’t believe,” said Artie. “There were a bunch of Robson Ranch softball players and their wives at the game, all wearing T-shirts announcing ‘Artie’s Army.’”
Artie added, “The way the players, men and women—it’s simply unbelievable the feeling they have not only for me but for one another. I appreciate them all so much. I’ll never forget that day. Plus, when I put it all together, I could never have done it without Dixie.”
A New Chapter
As Robson Ranch Arizona’s Artie Wachter retires from softball, he isn’t going to retire to his easy chair. “I think I might go over and try to play some cornhole,” he said. “It will help me feel like I’m still in sports.”
As the saying goes, ‘You can’t add days to your life, but you can add life to your days.’
Contributions by Bob Kehoe
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