Carl A. Steinhofer, age 88, ex-Philadelphia Philly, died peacefully at Florida Waterman Hospital on Tuesday, September 13, 2005, after taking his battle with cancer into extra innings. Carl Steinhofer He was born January 9, 1917, in Coplay, Pennsylvania to the late Anton Steinhofer and Karoline Dorner shortly after immigrating to the United States from Vienna, Austria. During the depression, his family moved to New York City where he graduated from high school. Carl was a standout shortstop for his high school baseball team, and was recruited by the Philadelphia Phillies after graduation. He played in the minor leagues for several teams, the last of which was the Dayton Ducks. WWII interrupted his baseball career when he enlisted in the U.S Navy and was stationed in Pearl Harbor. Though his “day job” was as an Aviation Metalsmith Second Class, his USN Commander discovered his true talent and recruited Carl to play for the naval base fast pitch softball team. They ended the war with a record of 98-5. Carl’s interest in and commitment to the sport of baseball never wavered, and he served as Secretary and Vice President of The Old Timer’s Professional Baseball Association of Greater Miami, which was organized in 1956. After receiving his honorable discharge from the Navy, Carl relocated to Miami, Florida where he worked as a building inspector for the Dade County School System for 27 years. In 1969, Carl met and married former professional ballerina, Irene Davies Ball of Miami Springs, Fl. They danced together gracefully for 31 years while enjoying travel, bridge, polo events, and Irene’s grand children. In 1980, they moved to Mt. Dora, Fl and in ‘93, they joined the wonderful retirement community at Waterman Village. Carl lost Irene to cancer in 2000. In August, 2003 he met and married a beautiful opera singer, Helen Seiden, formerly of Michigan by way of New York City. Although their time together was far too short, every minute was cherished. They traveled, white-water rafted on the Yellowstone River, and enjoyed many friends at Waterman Village. Carl was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite free mason with Lodge 238 of Mt. Dora, Fl. A lifetime Shriner, he regularly participated as a blood donor, contributing over 30 gallons in 60 years. He was a lifetime Elks Club member, and an avid member of the Mt. Dora Golf Club. Carl is survived by his wife, Helen; his sister, Mitzi (Mary) Szukics; two Granddaughters, Erin Brandy and Allison Brandy; Great Granddaughters Gillian and Haley Scruggs; three nieces Judy Layton, Evelyn Wolfer, and Dottie Stamatakos, and a nephew, Edward Wirth. In addition to his parents, Carl is preceded in death by two brothers, Frank and Johnnie, and a sister, Hermine. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Masonic Lodge # 238 of Mt Dora, FL.