In my opinion, adding the 11th defensive player to the 65+ Division has created two substantial negatives.
(1) It's already difficult to find enough players and this meant finding an 11th "position" player not just another extra hitter. As we get older, it's increasingly difficult to find enough tournament level players.
(2) It has "choked" the middle and handicapped the offense. Perhaps the intent of adding the 11th defensive player was that the player would be used as a fifth outfielder (which would seem logical as we get older). However, the reality has been that most teams use the 11th defensive player as a fifth infielder and shut down the middle.
I would appreciate feedback from other 65+, 70+, etc as to your thoughts about this in hopes the rules committee will consider rescinding the 11th defensive player rule. In the interim, we will support a gentleman's agreement with each of our opponents to NOT use the 11th defensive player in the best interest of the game.
Fuzzy - Team Mayhem 65+ Major
Fuzz - Some feedback per your request. I can feel your pain, i play middle or 2nd for an ISSA 70+ Major team and also love to hit it hard past the SS or 2B depending on their position and the pitch. Honestly without a middle fielder it seems like hitting/playing when i was a young guy, as well with continued good health and mobility i feel like my team would have a plus over other teams without a middle defensive player. I'm sure the intent is to have more roster players playing defensively and not just EH. You are correct with the middle being choked off and many more double plays being turned. Just give it a chance, find a player with a good arm, reasonable fielding skills and position FAIRLY close to 2nd and turn more double plays than the other team, and GOOD LUCK!!