The Indian Rocks Beach senior softball league has grown in popularity over the years from less than enough players for one team to a record-breaking five teams this season.
"The first year, we was taking anybody that wanted to play," said Sandy Sullivan, 76. "We do have some younger guys that are playing with us and they’re 'grandfathered in.' "
- Players on the Old Timers League must be 55 or older
- League started six years ago, has grown since then
- Now has enough players to field five teams
The requirements to get into the Old Timers League is players must be 55 years old or older. The cost is $10 per season.
"We have one guy that plays on our Sunday league that’s 88," said Bert Valery, 76. "We’re having a good time."
The seniors play games three times a week at Kolb Park in Indian Rocks Beach and there are some "senior rules" too.
"Seniors are also allowed to take a lead on first," Valery said. “It’s a little league field, 190 down each line. So, pretty easy for the younger seniors, I call them kids in their 50s, I mean, they’re hitting them out all the time. So, they’re an out. OK, you’ve got to be 70. That’s our super senior rule. They hit a home run (and) it counts."
The league began about six years ago and Valery said this is the first year they've had enough players to add a fifth team.
"I enjoy playing, I love it," Sullivan said. "I’m hopeful when I’m 85 that I’m out here still playing."