Bill Brooker, Sr. of Old Forge and Florida, is planning to start a Slow Pitch Softball team in Old Forge this summer.
Brooker, who has been active in Slow Pitch Softball for years, said he had teams in the Old Forge area in the 1970s and 1980s before moving to Florida, where he is in charge of an Over 50 Senior Softball Team.
“When I lived here year ’round, we played all summer long and we’d get into big tournaments in Port Leyden, and anywhere else they had a team,” he said.
Brooker said he plays every morning with his Florida team. The senior softball club includes 200 players and teams are made up daily.
“We keep everybody active. There are guys who are 87 to 90 years old, and actually I’ve had a few who have played up to age 93. They can hit and run and they have a great time,” Brooker said.
They have tournaments all year long he added, and they have special rules.
“One is no sliding,” he said.
Now that he is spending summers in Old Forge, Brooker said he misses playing ball.
“Generally I pitch or play second base. Those are my two favorite positions, but I’ll play any position, depending on what we need at the time,” he said.
Brooker said the age range for players is 50 to 90, and he’s had a lot of local interest about starting a team in Old Forge.
“People I mention it to who want to play think it’s great,” he said.
Brooker said has a supply of bats and balls, and is ready to play ball.
Anyone interested in joining the Slow Pitch Softball team can give him a call at (315) 369-3233.
An Olde Tyme Family Fun Day of Slow Pitch Softball action is planned for Sunday, July 19 at 2 p.m. at the North Street Field in Old Forge.
All are invited to join in the fun, just bring a glove.
