Our summer softball league kicked off Wednesday night with a doubleheader against our longtime rivals. We swept the night – blowing them out 14-5 in the first game and eeking out a 9-7 win in the second.
It’s the start of my 5th season since I began playing again in early retirement. My return to the diamond followed an almost 25 year hiatus that put more than a few kinks in my swing (and joints).
Related: Are You Still An Athlete?
I’m realistic about my ability, but have a personal goal of reaching base on half of my trips to the plate. Over the full 4 seasons I’m at .461 on-base %, but reached .500 the last 2 seasons, as I started taking more walks. In the field, I generally catch, play second, or right field. I’m a better fielder than a hitter, but scouts would say I definitely lack arm strength.
At age 55, I’m not the oldest of the 12 guys on our team (3 are in their 60s), but I am moving up the charts. The team – which has been around for 32 years – is gradually being turned over to the next generation of guys in their 20s-30s.
As a result, I wouldn’t be surprised if my final at bat was at the end of this season or certainly in the next few years. I’m trying to keep moving as long as I can keep moving, but it is only a matter of time as softball is particularly tough on your body. Two Tylenol usually go down with my first post-game swig of beer.
Still, every Wednesday night, I consider it a thrill to lace up my cleats, grab my leather glove, and step onto the dark, green grass. It’s an absolute privilege to continue to play a team sport I’ve loved since childhood.
What Sports Have / Will You Continue to Enjoy in Retirement?
Image Credit: (c) MrFireStation.com
MrFireStation 
I think it’s great that you are still playing! Play as long as you can! I’m not playing softball any more, just focusing on healthy activities like lifting weights three days a week and a lot of walking, biking, and kayaking in between. We are looking into a new pickle ball group that is starting up in our area in May. They are starting every Monday evening lessons at a local college. There are very few options for pickle ball in our area. We learned the sport with friends on a Florida trip a couple of years ago and loved it. So we are hoping to help it catch on in our area starting in May. Good luck with your season! 0.500 is a great batting average!
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I’m a tennis player, but pickle ball is taking over our courts. I haven’t played (yet), but my wife wants us to try it with some friends. My brothers has even lined off his driveway and bought a bet on Amazon.
For the record, .500 is my on-base % goal, not batting average. I’m getting as fussy as Ted Williams up there – used to be a first pitch hitter.
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