Third Annual 90s Game Honors the Elders of Our Sport

Sept. 1, 2024

Softball News Report

LAS VEGAS – The elders in the sport from the West took on the oldest players in the East in the Third Annual 90s Game at Big League Dreams on Sept. 16.

Playing five innings in front of one of the largest crowds of the World Championships, the two teams showed some amazing hitting power and inspired the crowd with their love of the game.

Between the two teams' rosters, sixteen 90-year-olds took part in the 3rd annual 90s Game at the 2024 World Championship in Big Leage Dreams Park, Las Vegas.

One of the standout stars was Ray Newman, 90 of California who helped power the West team to a 22-17 victory. Newman hit a grand slam in the third inning and another home run in the fourth inning.

But the two oldest players perhaps captured the spirit of the event best.

Mike Semieja, 95 of Minnesota, said: “To me, it’s about the comradery of players I’ve known forever who love the game.”

And Paul Janke, also 95, and a Hall of Famer from California agreed, “It doesn’t matter where players come from, what they believe, or the color of their skin…once they step on the field it means nothing; we are all the same – softball players.”

One of the two eldest players of the 90s Game, Paul O. Janke, 95-years-old of Orange, Cali. helps his 90s West Team win the 3rd annual 90s Game, 22-17.

(Look for the full story in the Winter Magazine Edition of Senior Softball News.)