There are 1.5 million active senior softball players in America. It is the #1 men’s team sport in our country. We get the opportunity to meet seniors from all walks of life and share a common passion. It is a great way to keep the mind and body strong and active, adding productive years to our life on earth. We all have the same problems of diminishing returns in strength and stamina. We can’t run as fast, throw or hit as hard as when we were younger. Playing can be a challenge for us as we age. Yet, we are grateful to just be playing even at a slower pace and with special safety rules. We are humbled by missed catches, weak hits, and opposing outfielders trying to throw us out at first base. The agony of defeat and the thrill of victory.
Aw! But hitting the ball on the bat’s sweet spot and driving it through or over the surprised outfielders is a great feeling that overcomes the humbled thoughts we just had moments ago. The game is much harder than it looks. It is more than a game but fabric in our lives that never goes away. It’s about heart, strength, determination, persistence and strategy. It’s about working together in unison, being supportive, and knowing our roles on our team.
This doesn’t come easy for our families and friends who get to share or deal with these ups and downs that happen before, during, and after the tournaments. Remember that the families and friends understand this and are show their support by being here. As a player, we couldn’t do this without their support… and tolerance. We thank the fans for coming to the games but, fans, you are they you may realize. How many players look at their significant others in the stands after they do something special on the field or at bat. “Hey, did you see me do that!” We are guys playing a kid’s game and it gives us a feeling we had in our younger days. Fan support can’t be underestimated. Thank you!
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