Representing Local 34 in a union softball tournament are, l. to r., Jeff Matzek, Rob Farwell, Darren Robinson, Ken Nelson, Anthony DaPrato, Roger Jackson, Dan Quinlan (coach), and Bryan Johnson. Not pictured are Justin McGilton and Laborer Daryl Johnson.
Member’s deployment delays series for two years
NINE MEMBERS OF Local 34 (Topeka, Kan.), along with one member of the Laborer’s union, earned boasting rights following a friendly softball tournament among the unions employed at the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway Topeka Shops in May.
Originally scheduled for the fall of 2006, the tournament was put on hold when Local 34 member Ken Nelson was ordered to Iraq. Upon Nelson’s safe return, the tournament among members of Boilermaker Local 34, Machinist Local 378, Electrician Local 959, and Sheetmetal Worker Local 472 was held May 17, 2008.
Local 34 members won the series when Roger Jackson batted in Dan Quinlan in the bottom of the last inning of the final game, securing victory for the Boilermakers. Another tournament is planned for this fall.
