Message board »Message Board home »Sign-in or register to get started
Online now: 1 member: TABLE SETTER 11; 78 anonymousDiscussion: Fortunate
| Posted | Discussion |
| Dec. 16, 2011 steve65 Men's 65 177 posts | Fortunate I started the last thread in an attempt to bring praise to the game as it is today. It was hi-jacked as usual. Every morning I look at the Obits and see many younger than I going to meet their maker and here I am still playing what I consider a kids game. I consider myself extremely fortunate to be playing. Sure the game has flaws (I personally don't see them) But consider the alternative--give me the game any day!!! Thank you SSUSA SPA and all the other organizations---lets get ready for spring!!! |
| Dec. 16, 2011 birdie Men's 70 802 posts | Steve, I agree with you about the game and especial about spring. I can never be too hot but it is very easy to be too cold. I like the game as is. Let's play two or three while we can. Thanks Harry |
| Dec. 16, 2011 GSWP001 Men's 60 75 posts | steve65. I do just about the same thing. Am amazed that I'm not in the obits yet. I to love the game, even with it's so called many flaws. Thanks for the great post. Hope no one decides to argue as to our enjoyment. |
| Dec. 16, 2011 perly 88 posts | Nice post and replies. The game isn't perfect, so I've heard, but what is. To be playing a game we love with friends we care about and getting to compete at a high level is great. Much thanks to all senior softball organiations, tournament directors, team sponsors, managers, coaches fellow players and the Good Lord. |
| Dec. 16, 2011 hombre Men's 60 240 posts | In the theater of softball, most of the flaws I deal with are my own, by far. The benefits are many. Softball forces me to work out on a regular basis just to keep up with you guys. In so doing, it keeps me healthier than the average 65 year old. I love the physical activity, the competition, and most of all, the camaraderie. It also gives my wife a break. LOL There must be an awful lot of players out there who feel the same way since we aren't paid to play. Right now I'm excited about the Classic Spring Training in Jacksonville. Every year I have the opportunity to meet new friends. That's a blessing. |
| Dec. 16, 2011 the wood Men's 65 1123 posts | I couldn't agree with you guys more... it is a blessing to play at our age. I've loved this game for 40+ years, the people that I've met while playing it and the many places it has taken me. Thanks, Steve, for initiating a post that praises senior softball. I, too, look at the morning Obits and, all too often, find the names of friends and/or their family in it. Bob Woodroof |
| Dec. 16, 2011 Brock Men's 80 84 posts | Now this is a refreshing thread after all of the courtesy runner and bat discussion. I attended a retirement luncheon where I used to work this past Wednesday and after hearing all of the ailments being suffered by others and other people we know, I feel very fortunate. Here I am at 66 years old playing on two very competitive 60 and 65 senior tournament teams in good health with really no physical ailments that hinder my play either. I'm glad I heard about senior softball shortly after I turned 50 because I thought I was going to have to give it up. Now we can be a rookie every five years. Life is good and I also thank the senior associations for giving us the opportunity to continue doing what we all love to do. Thanks for starting this thread, Steve, and thank you, my LORD, for watching over me and the rest of us so we can continue doing this for some time to come. |
| Dec. 16, 2011 Webbie25 Men's 70 2414 posts | I lost a softball friend at 49 last year. TEN years younger than I am. I am thankful every day for the chance to play and the health to do it. |
| Dec. 16, 2011 salio2k Men's 60 547 posts | When I came to senior softball at age 49, I read their rules and said to myself."I can play with these rules!". Some associations allowed different bats, but I just played the rules that applied. About the only thing really different was the extra home plate for safety. Sounded good to me. Then they put in double bags at first for safety. Sounded good to me. I did not hear players griping about the rules. I only heard players say that they are looking forward to the next tournament. At the local level we often play the same teams. So what! That just means the you get to know your fellow players that much better. If you can still play, take care of that which is left so that you can continue to play. Life's too short. |
| Dec. 16, 2011 Tater50 Men's 60 336 posts | Steve65: Good One. I never got to play any sports as a kid; my parents were real religious; did not start regularly playing SB until I turned 29; so I have been playing for 32 years. At the origin; you could buy a bat & glove & it would last you for many years. SSBall: I was playing against Winky (Faith Electric) in a 1999 Ga State Tourney & he invited me to play SSBall; I told him that I did not play w/old guys. He said that I needed to try it; I might change my mind..........AWESOME choice. Just a few of the AWESOME things about SSBall: 1. In 12 years, I do not think that I have seen any major confrontations between players or teams. 2. Its MORE fun & less stressful: guys actually show up for the tourney & you do not have to pull them out of jail to complete a team roster. 3. Competition is beyond my imagination; Seniors know what they want & train accordingly. 4. Incredible Friendships: see some of the same faces that I saw in 99. Downside: you have to wait till spring to start playing again & seeing your team mates. WE ARE FORTUNATE!!!! Thanks Lord!! Tater50 |
| Dec. 16, 2011 jimjoes-gman Men's 55 80 posts | Steve , ol' boy , it appears that U have opened a can of worms. Wow , you really got'em stirred up. Back to your subject , 30 yrs ago , when I started playing 35 & over . I never dreamed that I would be still doing it at 65. It just that things progress & you roll w/the flow. I was still playing Industrial ball in my 40's & then I discovered Senior Softball, just when I thought it was all over I play 55 & 65. And if it was'nt for the CR , I probably could'nt play at all. One total knee & probably looking at the other soon....A 55 aaa team in Ohio wants me to go "one more time",next season w/them . Sloball & Bullet are behind it...."Long Live the Courtesy Runner"....Gman |
| Dec. 16, 2011 pitcher55 Men's 55 130 posts | thank you ssusa for providing us the oportunity to keep playing this game that we love. three years ago i retired from playing. just couldn't compete with the young men anymore. after sitting out a year, i discovered senior ball!! what a blast!!! i'm hoping to play into my 70's. dennis wiley lights out #7. |
| Dec. 16, 2011 steve65 Men's 65 177 posts | Gman could that team use an outfielder/CR--seems i run for you quite a bit!! Have a Merry Christmas my friend--give me a call about that team |
| Dec. 16, 2011 rfsoftball Men's 50 64 posts | I have been playing softball for the last 9 years and I love this game. I'm 49 an when you look at me you will say no way. An the reason is 1. GOD 2. Family. 3. Softball. I don't drink or smoke I'm just a softball crackhead. I would to thank my senior family here in Birmingham AL for putting up with me. |
| Dec. 16, 2011 garyheifner 649 posts | Your right Steve65 As I posted several years ago, we play (my team) in about 12 events a year. We have one guy with a metal hip, one with 2 rods in his leg, 5 who have had bypass surgery, 1 rotator cuff surgery and several dozen other surgeries. We are very fortunate to play in this great game and organization. |
| Dec. 19, 2011 Ceres 73 posts | The only reason for us not to be playing senior softball is when we read the obits, we're in them. |
| Dec. 19, 2011 Donny C 54 posts | Steve: You got it this is a game one has to love. There sure are a lot of us out there playing ball and having a lot more fun than anything. The rules can always change a bit but the game has basically changed little in the last 45 years. I love to play this game and Senior softball and SPA and SUSSA put on some great tournments. Now that snow is here in Northern MI and I cannot play until May; I have but to get my self into playing shape and dream of good days to come. Maybe I can talk my kids into getting me a new Ultra II for Christmas. You guys in the warmer states get to play all winter, enjoy it and I am a bit jealous. Merry Christmas to all and a happy new year. Donny C. |
| Dec. 19, 2011 Webbie25 Men's 70 2414 posts | Hey, Donnie-I have a bunch of relatives in Petoskey/Harbor Springs up there. We even have 4 inches of snow in Albuquerque today. I want summer back. |
| Dec. 19, 2011 Pricer Men's 50 621 posts | Webbie, that's 4 more inches than we have here in metro Detroit. |
| Dec. 20, 2011 Webbie25 Men's 70 2414 posts | My grandson and I made our first snowman together-it was easy at 36 degrees with the 4 inches. To watch a kid make his first snowman is great. We have had a very cold December for us. 40 is starting to feel warm. |
| Dec. 20, 2011 Donny C 54 posts | Hey Webbie I spent this past weekend in Petoskey, they got about 2-3 inches of snow so you have more in Albuquerque. Snow in Albuqerque is much different in that desert area hard to make a snowman unless it is around 40 or so. I went up the tram to the Sandias and was quite surprised that chunks of snow would turn into snow dust when hit. I am too used to this Norther MI snow, been a Yooper too long. Making a snowman with grandkids is great. I could spend hours doing that with them. I also enjoy taking the kids out on a snow machine into the woods it is beautiful and often we see deer or at times a wolf. My gosh I am getting lonly for my grand kids thinking of this. I will see them next week. Webbie, I will look you up when I get to Albuqerque in March so we can exchange stories. Pricer, Detroit missed that snowstorm that hit parts of Southern MI. Heavy snowfall in cities create problems for adults and joy for kids. Keep lovin the game keep playin and have a great New Year. Donny C a transplanted Yooper. |
| Dec. 20, 2011 Webbie25 Men's 70 2414 posts | Please do, Donny-it would be fun. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. |
| Dec. 20, 2011 surf88 Men's 65 1000 posts | Guys, I enjoyed reading this post. As I have perhaps 40 inches of snow in part of this region in which I live, I am patiently awaiting springtime when I can start playing ball again in the lower elevations and I too, am thankful that our Lord has given so many of us the health and ability and capability to play this awesome game called softball. How blessed can we possibly be to see one another around the country whenever we want and to do those things that we love and that keeps us in a bit better condition than so many who don't elect to go for it. Wishing each and every one of you out there throughout the softball world, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Ed Andrews |
| Dec. 20, 2011 Pricer Men's 50 621 posts | Ed, quit hogging the snow. Pass some of that around. It looks like we could be green for Christmas here in Michigan. Merry Christmas to all! |
| Dec. 20, 2011 curveball Men's 65 705 posts | We went to grandma's every Christmas in Beaverton (Gladwin County), there was always many feet of snow! GREEN IN MI FOR CHRISTMAS, never heard of such a thing! |
| Dec. 20, 2011 Pricer Men's 50 621 posts | My neighbors of almost 20 years moved to Beaverton a few years back. Talked to them last week and they expressed that they might be without snow themselves on Christmas. Neck, you have any snow in TC? |
| Dec. 20, 2011 Brock Men's 80 84 posts | Had a big surprise here in Colorado Springs when I got up this morning. Four inches of snow and all on the level. What a beautiful picture and it wasn't even forecast last night. Ed, you live so high up in elevation that I'm surprised you don't have a nose bleed all winter long. Merry Christmas to all and may your Christmas be white. We're all so fortunate. Greg Broeckelman |
| Dec. 20, 2011 neck10 714 posts | no snow in TC did you get in touch with barb about pull overs got ours three weeks ago or longer.donnie c did you see where ultra 2's are legal in asa senior play now leauge & tourny should help some of your guys in city leauge. |
| Dec. 20, 2011 Pricer Men's 50 621 posts | Yep, coach has contacted them. Thanks |
| Dec. 20, 2011 E4/E6 Men's 70 873 posts | about 70* and sunny here in OC. =) if I squint I can see snow on the mountains. |
| Dec. 20, 2011 Fabe Men's 65 456 posts | After reading all the post I understand way there are soooo many people visiting the Islands! Our last two games have been rained out, yet I am bless to live in the tropics...When not playing ball or visitn the gym, the surf is keepn me in shape. Well Mele Kalikimaka ( Merry Christmas) to all and God bless! Aloha, Fabe |
| Dec. 21, 2011 Donny C 54 posts | Neck: I did not know our senior league changed the rules and we can now use senior bats. I love using the better equipment. This change is going to make your team even more powerful, I think you all need to use wooden bats and give the rest of us a chance, lol. The weather man says higher temps and good chance of no show for Christmas. I am heading for the UP this week as this Yooper needs some snow. My Christmas will be at Lambeau field watching the Packers and Bears than back to da UP. Hey Surf88 I envy the snow and you are so correct it is blessed that we have been given good health that enables us to play this game we all love. I thank the Lord daily for that. Meeting all you folks while playing ball is one great benefit. Keep laughing and enjoy life. Donny C |
| Dec. 21, 2011 curveball Men's 65 705 posts | Pricer, well I at least hope the lake is well frozen so the ice fishermen can do their thing.............no snow in Beaverton for Christmas, wow, go figure. |
| Dec. 21, 2011 neck10 714 posts | they didnt change the rules asa changed there rule to allow all 1.21 bats and our league rule says we can use all asa approved bats which ultra 2's are now approved by the asa for senior use so are the freak 100 & most of the usssa bats |
| Dec. 21, 2011 Pricer Men's 50 621 posts | Wow, I can't wait for that new bat to arrive, it's filled with nitrogen and gasoline, called the Death Stick. When it breaks in two, you'll get something to fill your car's tires and some gas to top off your tank. What an idea? When does it stop? |
| Dec. 21, 2011 curveball Men's 65 705 posts | I think ASA has followed the other Associations in changing some of their rules to attract more teams. It seems that Associations will go with what the majority of customers want to play with. I'm sure they were well aware of senior tournament numbers. |
| Dec. 21, 2011 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | Oldest, slowest guys using liveliest bats. Let's profess safety. LOL |
| Dec. 21, 2011 E4/E6 Men's 70 873 posts | No Gary lets profess an individuals right to use what equipment he or she feels is best for him or her. If that entails safety or plain old enjoyment, so be it. Because thats what it is, an individual choice. When you use terms like oldest and slowest, I hope you are only talking about yourself, since you have no right to judge the rest of Senior Softballs players or label them in that manner. In other words, speak for yourself, not the rest of us! |
| Dec. 21, 2011 Webbie25 Men's 70 2414 posts | Alert, Alert another great thread is being hijacked. Back to the snow and being thankful. You poor guys in Michigan are going to have a green Christmas and we have another snowstorm coming in tomorrow and Friday.My snowman has not even melted yet! Eat your heart out!!! From the New Mexico Tundra--Merry Christmas!!!! |
| Dec. 21, 2011 steve65 Men's 65 177 posts | Sorry guys I called his attention to the thread--maybe if we ignore him he will go away |
| Dec. 21, 2011 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | E4, can you name a GROUP playing the game that is older or slower? As a GROUP. |
| Dec. 21, 2011 curveball Men's 65 705 posts | What's your point? So what? It's a great game. The greatest majority, who partisipate in tournaments, have a different view than the ACLU, a very small %age of players, and you. Pull your head out of wherever it is and try to understand: you are not a regular tournament partisipant, if so, you would understand the game is very enjoyable for us seniors. Wondering, do you tell Pricer he should be using a safer puck, perhaps spoonge rubber? How about hunters? Maybe just go barehanded? What about the auto? should we go back to bikes? You can find risk in vertually everything we do. We play with 70 foot bases, a good ball, and good bats. I've never seen a problem because of them. If you are scared, do something else and leave us to be at our game of choice. |
| Dec. 21, 2011 Pricer Men's 50 621 posts | Curve, first off in hockey we're protected from head to toe. Bad analogy. Secondly, hunting will become a sport when the animals can shoot back. Your not very good at making comparisons. |
| Dec. 21, 2011 jimjoes-gman Men's 55 80 posts | STEVE , u continue 2 wake up the dead ! aka , "a zombie". |
| Dec. 21, 2011 E4/E6 Men's 70 873 posts | Not yet Gary, but they will be when they become Seniors. Right now we call them the kids. Thats what happens when we age. We get older & slower. We as Tournament players play at a slightly higher level then those Seniors who choose to play league only. Thats not a knock on them its just how it is. Playing at this level we CHOOSE to play with the best equipment available, again thats just how it is. We accept the risks involved with the quicker more power oriented game going in. Guaranteed if the kids could play with our bats they would, and they wouldnt have to alter the lesser bats. Joe Rinaldi has it right, I just didnt understand it for some time. We as a group, and this is a GENERAL statement, enjoy hitting the ball hard and far. For most of us, we dont really mind going to tournaments that only have 5 or 6 teams, we still get to play the game and we get to play it our way within the rules. Steve, I am sorry for jacking your thread, but sometimes its just too hard to keep quiet with Gary. |
| Dec. 21, 2011 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | really who is older AND slower,maybe you,but i know quite a few 50+ guys who can outrun players who are younger than 50......i know i can out run some players under 50,and i'm 61..... so webbie are ya tobogganing yet.... |
| Dec. 21, 2011 E4/E6 Men's 70 873 posts | Good to see you back Bob |
| Dec. 22, 2011 Webbie25 Men's 70 2414 posts | maddog-haven't done that since the 60's. Too old now. Another interesting storm-could get a few inches again, but an east wind that sets up when there is high pressure east of the mountains and low pressure west (brings 50-70mph winds trying to even the pressures) could keep us snow free-forms a 'hollow' in the storm. We'll see. Unusual for us to have a white Christmas, for sure. Bob-you going to be at the TOC? |
| Dec. 22, 2011 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | curve, you again miss the point. No one who want senior bats for the oldest, slowest group should ever claim to care about safety. Nothing contributes to whatever lack of safety there is in the senior game more than the bats. And please don't tell me you consider hunting a "sport". Pricer is exactly right with that one. By the way, a good ball and good bats are fine. You want to play with the best balls you can and bats that only seniors can use. That just goes beyond "good" and "good". E4, you can make whatever choices or have whatever preferences you like. Clearly. But for anyone to claiim to really care about safety when the primary cause of any danger in the game is the bats (and balls in combination) is just silly. Something about having your cake and eating it too. E4, what do you think is most important to most who play? "Hitting the ball hard and far" or winning? Sure pup, but clearly this discussion isn't about foot speed. It is moreso about reflexes. So you actually think as a GROUP, since it is the group using the special bats, that the kids are slower? That it is even close? |
| Dec. 22, 2011 neck10 714 posts | pricer are you guys going to toc in febuary in winter haven????????????? talked to rob schlette said he hated tennesee & wanted to move back to michigan. |
| Dec. 22, 2011 E4/E6 Men's 70 873 posts | Gary, it doesnt mean we dont care about safety, that should go without saying. It just means we are willing to accept the consequences, as we always have. I would venture to say there arent that many more injuries today then there were when we played 10, 15, 20 + years ago. If there are it is due in large part to our ages, not the equipment we use. Gary, hitting the ball hard leads to winning. Always has, always will. Hitting it far doesnt hurt either. |
| Dec. 22, 2011 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | People might care, but if they advocate the liveliest bats for the oldest, slowest group it seems a lot more like lip service. And people really aren't accepting the consequences, instead they try to put in yet more strange and whacky rules to compensate for the bats, to the point the game starts to resemble something much different than the softball we all grew up playing. I just don't find that accepting. And if both teams have the same special bats, and presumably both are hitting it hard and far in part because of them, there is no advantage and hance no leading to winning for one over the other. You get the advantages that lead to winning by outworking the other team, not by using the same equipment they can use. That is a wash. |
| Dec. 22, 2011 steve65 Men's 65 177 posts | lets see we all use senior bats--we have two homeplates--two first bases--the same balls--aha everything is a wash----so in reality it goes back to wha ti said on one of these threads many posts ago---DEFENSE and good base running!!!!! so back to the basics despite the equipment changes and rules that apply to all--- |
| Dec. 22, 2011 Capt Kirk 541 posts | We are fortunate to still be able play a game that we love. The rules have been modified for Senior Softball, but the rules are not exceptions, we are all playing with the understanding that our SSUSA rules are applicable to all. How a team is formed, what bats you select, CR or not, and as long as you or your team is playing by the rules, enough said. |
| Dec. 22, 2011 curveball Men's 65 705 posts | Pricer, your hockey game is exactly where a good example lies. You are protected from head to toe, more "silly" modern rules. It wasn't played with all that protection back in the day! The game was never meant to be played that way. As kids growing up, we played on the town pond just like the pros, no protective gear. All that protection wouldn't be needed if the puck was softer and less likely to hurt someone. Seems like todays guys are playing like a bunch of girls, not like the men in the day. You are correct, I'm not very good at making comparisons. I'm not used to having to argue with negative people. I've been fortunate to have been surrounded with people who charge my batteries, not drain them. Haven't had to argue and debate with my friends. So, without practice, I guess I'm not that good at the argue back and analogy business. I'll have to work on it or stop replying and do something more constructive. |
| Dec. 22, 2011 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | curve, who is stopping you? |
| Dec. 22, 2011 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | well our old team played in a tourney about a month or so back against the kids and finished second to them.half of our team was over 60 and none under 50.and yes we all had fun,and no we didn't use our special bats,we just played.so what....... |
| Dec. 23, 2011 5ToolsinOhio Men's 50 160 posts | I don't need a cell phone or any gadgets..heck my car has roll up windows, i only have one Tv and its on a timer so i watch only so much, i am fortunate my family loves me. |
| Dec. 23, 2011 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | So we have the first few things in common. And the last. |
