Photo Credit: Courtesy of Mike Forster - Bedford Bulletin
As a former recreation-league softball coach and adult player, I have always had a passion for the game. So, in my position as program coordinator for Bedford County in Virginia, I thought there might be enough interest to create a senior adult team. After calling some folks who used to play, we advertised in local newspapers, and scheduled the first meeting and practice in April 2004.
Laying Down The Rules
The first order of business was to set the rules, many of which revolved around safety. For example, sliding and stealing bases were not permitted. Additionally, there must be two first bases and two home plates. The first bases are side by side. The batter runs to the outside bag while the first baseman uses the regular base. At home plate, the plates are about 10 feet apart. The runner goes to the extra plate. If the runner touches that plate before the catcher has the ball at the regular home plate, then the runner is safe. The catcher does not have to tag the runner, but must have his foot on home plate for an out. A batter may also request a courtesy runner.
A Team Effort
In the first year, 15 players made up the roster. The team continued to include new players each year as word spread about the program, and eventually had its current number of 25 players. The group of teachers, bus drivers, sales people, medical professionals, mechanics, retirees and many more gathers every Tuesday for practice or a ball game. Fifteen to 18 people show up each week, and everyone plays. The teams are comprised of mostly men, but there are four or five women who play each season. One woman drives one hour each way from another county to play. It’s a diverse group, but when they put on the uniforms and cleats, they’re all just softball players.