Its April first, and for the first time in 17 years I find I am unable to come up with an April first joke for you all to enjoy. I am disappointed. Some of my personal favorites were the one we played on the Desperados from Albuquerque, that Dave helped me with, to get them to think we had been re-rated to Major.Dave might even relate the furious call he got from one player on that one. We had the curved bat that Alan Tanner helped me with-thank you again for that one, Alan. We had Depends with a cup.We had the Virtual Umpire last year. Many pitchers mentioned the fact that my virtual Umpire delivered an electric shock to the pitcher for an illegal pitch. My memory is failing some and I cannot even remember a lot of them. But I had a lot of fun with them and many, many people would come up to me laughing about one of them. That made it worth it in a big way.
Vegas is coming up and I will not be there as my body has let me know that my competitive career is over. So be it. 57 years-what a blast playing a game and getting to meet such great people and players from across the nation.Hi to all of my friends and teammates and continue playing this great game for as long as you can. You never know when the Lord will tell you it's time. Good luck to all!

Miss you Webby, don’t be a stranger…

C’mon Webbie, think!
The day is young, you still have time…
Remember some of the old bats like the Wave or Zapper…35 oz Black Max, build on it!

I was busy yesterday, so didn't see it until today. Great joke that you are leaving softball! Had me going for a bit. Always enjoy your contributions.

Omar, I wish it was a joke. Unfortunately a combination of Neuropathy and fibromyalgia has made my legs very weak and I am lucky to make it through 2 games as DH or catching.I am not on a roster this year.
I wish you the best-play as long as you can! Thanks for the response.

Webbie25 Might I suggest you do a google search for Calmare Scrambler treatments for relief of your neuropathy and Fibromyalgia, it doesn't work for everyone but I think there is a provider in AZ.

Weese, Through the VA, I have completed 4 acupuncture treatments so far with some relief, but not a lot yet. The set up is just like the 'Scrambler' treatment so I think that might be what it really is.I much appreciate that you took the time to inform me of that.Thank you!

I might add a couple things. They put me on Methylpredisolone first. I absolutely could not hit because my visual perception was way off under that, although the pain went away. Then Gabapentin-same thing. Meloxicam is not quite as bad, but I still felt out of sorts. Players, be careful of these drugs. ...I try to manage the pain with ibuprophen as much as possible.Thanks for the concerns.

Webbie, I am truly sorry that it was not a joke. Your posts have had a high quality over the years and I always read them, even if the topic was not relevant to me. It is also obvious that you have been a deeply admired and respected player, both by your own teams and opponents. I'm also praying that a solution to your medical issues will be found so you can return to softball in the years you have left. God has blessed me with good health, but in my late 80s my older team from last year succumbed to illness and injury and I no longer can find a tournament team to join. I stay active in twice a week softball in the glorious California weather we have, but I miss the excitement and playing level of tournaments. I look forward to posts from you in the future, with a focus on the future of the world of senior softball. In northern California, for example, there are now 60 teams in the NCSSA, a 50-and-over association, where there were around 100 just 20 years ago—this with an ever-growing population. Softball is not the popular sport it was in the recent past. Best to you in your search for a positive treatment.

Omar, thank you for the kind words.I am sorry to hear you are having trouble finding a team. How dare people near ninety retiring with so many good years left-lol. I hope you do find a team. Quick question-do you know if Argie is still playing with the Seals? He is a friend, too. Thanks again.

Webbie, sorry to be late in replying to you again about your post but the tax deadline took a lot of my time and I'm just reading to catch up on last week's news. In answer to your question about the top-notch San Francisco Seals team, Father Time has caught up with them also. Their last year as a team was 2023, before disbanding. We benefitted from a couple of there players who joined our team for a season or two. I know half of their team, but they are all in their 80s now, and a couple from 2023 have passed away and others are no longer playing tournament ball. I don't recognize the name Argie, It sure was a joy to watch them play. My team wasn't good enough to play them often, but when I had a free time on another field, I would wander over to watch them. Memories are sweet. If any of the old Seals players in my rec league remember him, I will try to update you.

Debbie, you can always come back to your roots, play Tue Thur at LA n Bullhead, all you have to do is hit the ball n walk back to the dugout, we have a special rule that allows runners to run for the hitter!

Damn spell Check, sorry Webbie

Debbie! Now that’s funny!

Thanks Omar and tb08. I knew getting old was getting tougher, but I didn't realize I had had a sex change, tb08. My wife usually let's me know those things. Note to Weese, thanks again for the information. What I am having done via acupuncture through the VA is the Scrambler. After 9 visits, it is helping with the neuropathy part so far. It is day to day, and some days I don't feel much differently, and some I really do feel better. I will return to this thread and update as it goes on, as I have learned many have the same problems. If it helps, that would be great.