The Adirondack Women’s Softball League held their inaugural All Star Game to celebrate the end of the season on Tuesday, August 26th.
The game was held on Sodom Field next to the Black Mountain Pub, host of the post game festivities, which included the awarding of trophies. Continue reading
Slow Pitch Softball Games for men and women ages 40 and up will continue on Sundays at 4 p.m. through September 4 at the Little League field on Park Ave. in Old Forge.
Bill Brooker Sr., who organized the games throughout the summer, invites all to join in the relaxed rules play.
“The only thing you need to bring along is a glove. Just show up at the field and have a fun day!” Brooker said.
The second Slow Pitch Soft Ball Game for men and women players over the age of 40, was held Sunday, July 24 at the Little League Ball Field on Park Avenue.
According to organizer Bill Brooker, Sr., enough players, ranging in ages 40 to 75, showed up to field two teams.
Among those who played were Doug Riedman, Dory Wagner, Bob Gates, Nancy Langham, Jack Flora, Tom Smith, Mike Waterman, Marty Droz, Laurie Humbert, Jim Baker, Joe Rintrona, Neil and Aline Newman, Billy Brooker, and Kent Menges.
“Everyone had a great time, including the spectators,” Brooker, Sr. said.
The special rules Slow Pitch games will continue every Sunday through the end of August. The games begin at 4 p.m. at the Little League Ball Field.
All are invited to join in the fun. Just bring along your own glove.
The first area Slow Pitch Softball Game for men and women ages 40 and up, was held Sunday afternoon July 17, at the North Street Field in Old Forge.
Among the 15 players who turned out for the first game were Robert Moore, Joe Striplin, Chip and Donna Lynch, Jim Baker, Neil and Aileen Newman, and Bill Brooker Sr., who coordinated the game.
According to Brooker, despite the high temperatures, the turnout was good and everyone had a lot of fun.
“The teams were a little lopsided as the final score was 5 to 0. Maybe because one team just didn’t hit!” Brooker laughed.
Following the game, Bill Brooker, Jr. grilled hotdogs for the team and spectators.
At the request of the players, a repeat game will be held on Sunday, July 24.The venue has been changed to the Little League field on Park Avenue. The game will begin at 4 p.m.
Brooker invites all to join in the the relaxed rules play.
“The only thing you need to bring along is a glove. Just show up at the field and have a fun day!” he said.
Brooker plans to continue the Sunday afternoon games through the end of August.
The first area Slow Pitch Softball Game for men and women ages 40 and over will be held Sunday, July 17, at 2 p.m. at the North Street Field in Old Forge.
The event is being organized by Bill Brooker, Sr. who manages senior Slow Pitch ball games in Florida, where he spends his winters.
Interested players should bring their ball gloves, something to drink and a folding chair.
According to Brooker, special rules will apply for different aged players, including no sliding and no collisions. Other rules will be announced at game time.
Brooker said that game play will continue for however long participants are willing to play.
The number of teams depends on how many players show up to participate.
So far, Brooker said, he has been contacted by many people expressing an interest in making up a team including Robert Moore, Andy Getty, Sr., Tom Smith, Jack Flora, Bill Brooker, Jr., Laurie Gruber, and Nancy Langham.
Charlie Kiefer will serve as umpire.
“There is no need for advance sign-up, just show up on Sunday and join in the fun,” said Brooker.
“And spectators are always welcome,” he added.
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.