Above: A softball league covering Easter MA is looking to recruit more Southborough players. Specifically, they’re looking for adults aged 50+. (images from e-mass.org)
I’m often called on to announce that registration is open for softball. But normally, organizers are recruiting girls for the youth league. This time around, the call goes out to adults over 50 years old.
EMASS Senior Softball League is entering its 25th season. I’ve been informed that the 400-plus member league includes several players from Southborough. And they’re hoping to add more to the roster.
According to the press release, registration options cover a range of experience/abilities:
Members range from casual recreational players to those who play on nationally competitive tournament teams. Regardless of a player’s skill level, there is a spot for them in one or more of EMASS’s five divisions.
Judging from the pictures I found, I assumed it was a league for men. But in answer to that question, I was told that not only is it co-ed, more women are “warmly” welcomed.
The press release below gives more details:
(click to enlarge)
Celebrating its 25 Year Anniversary, EMASS Offers Adults Over 50 the Opportunity to Engage in Balanced Competition, Be Part of a Team, and Form Lifelong Friendships
Entering its 25th season, the EMASS Senior Softball League is launching its annual recruitment campaign for players age 50 and over. The 400-plus member league draws players from towns across Eastern Massachusetts with games played on fields in Canton, Framingham, Medfield and Wayland. The season begins May 1 and runs until Labor Day, with playoffs in early October.
EMASS members range in age from 50 to 90. The average age is 67 with 55 players in their 50s and 31 players in their 80s. Members range from casual recreational players to those who play on nationally competitive tournament teams. Regardless of a player’s skill level, there is a spot for them in one or more of EMASS’s five divisions. Two divisions play doubleheaders on Saturday mornings. while the other three divisions play doubleheaders on weekdays.
“EMASS is a vibrant community of seniors with a passion for softball who compete in a spirited, sportsman-like manner,” said Rob Mitchell, Commissioner of EMASS. “Many of our members transition from younger leagues so they can continue playing ball in a senior league. Others are looking to get back into the game, be part of a team again and maintain fitness while having fun.”
EMASS Players Share League’s Life-Changing Impact
The spirit of the EMASS Senior Softball League is evident in its post-game tradition of the opposing teams forming lines to congratulate each other with high fives and fist bumps. It’s much more about playing than winning and celebrating their ability to triumph over aging. Many players credit their participation in the League with helping them stay physically and mentally active, enjoy retirement, get past illness or transition through other life challenges.
“I had a softball career that came to an end in 1999 because of addictions to alcohol and drugs, but a life-changing experience started me down the road to recovery, which eventually led me to EMASS,” said Tim Collins, an EMASS member since 2014. “On the field in my first game, I was never so happy, as I was back where I belonged playing softball. EMASS has become a very important part of my recovery. Life is so much better now that I am playing softball again.”
“I grew up in Taiwan with a passion for baseball and since joining EMASS, I look forward to spring every year,” said Chia-Li Huang, an EMASS member since 2010. “Everyone in EMASS is nice, friendly and has welcomed me warmly. I was actually a stranger to playing ball, but my skills have improved thanks to the advice and support from my teammates. Now I am involved in game management, which allows me to enjoy the game at a different level.” I’ve felt very lucky and grateful that EMASS welcomed a guy with no experience into their softball family.”
“After serving in the U.S. Navy for 26 years, I retired and moved from Washington, D.C. to Boston to fulfill responsibilities as a caregiver to my wife, a 12-stroke survivor, and my elderly parents,” said Bob Vincent, an EMASS member since 2014. “Immediately upon arrival, I was fortunate to find out about EMASS Senior Softball, which has provided ample opportunities to make new friends and engage in a competitive physical activity while affording me a little personal time each week. The camaraderie I have experienced with EMASS has made my transition to civilian life and relocation to Boston quite easy.”
“In early 2015, while a member of EMASS, I was diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer,” said Larry Fegan, an EMASS member since 2007. “I got tremendous support from everyone on my team and in the league, especially as I continued playing during the early part of my treatment. This made a big difference for me emotionally. The camaraderie and brotherhood within EMASS had a direct impact on my recovery. In 2017, I returned to EMASS, playing in 3 divisions, joining the board of directors and coordinating our youngest division.”
To recognize the League’s 25th Anniversary, 2019 EMASS players will receive a Silver Anniversary jersey and hat and join in a celebration banquet for players and their partners.
Visit www.e-mass.org to learn more about the League and to register for the 2019 season.
About EMASS Senior Softball League
EMASS offers seniors of all skill levels a safe, well-organized opportunity to play competitive slow-pitch softball. Founded in 1995 with four teams and 80 members, EMASS has evolved into five divisions, 31 teams and 400 members. Of the original players, five are still playing strong: Jerry Levin (84), Paul Rosenbaum (82), Fred Scerra (86), John Stewart (87), and Mark Waldron (81).
EMASS offers an “Intelligent Aging” workshop for its members to exchange best practices in fueling, mobility, recuperation and mindware. The workshop helps players understand how to improve their odds of playing into their 70s and 80s.
EMASS players participate in an annual tournament in Cuba called the Friendship Games. Many of the Cuban players join EMASS tournament teams that play in Florida and Cape Cod.
For more information about EMASS Senior Softball League, visit www.e-mass.org.
