CLEARWATER, FL - You’re never too old to be young. Just ask the “3-Score” Softball Club.

“As you would imagine, 3-Score means 60 and above,” said Al Bartolo, the president of the 3 Score National League division. “The average age in this league is 76.”

Every Monday and Wednesday, a group of around three-dozen players meets at a field in Clearwater. The main objective - keep the body moving.

“All of us probably are exercise freaks that are out here,” said Doug Deutsch, who plays third base. “Not only softball, but also doing everything.”

“Newton said ‘a body in motion tends to stay in motion’ and we are staying in motion,” said Bartolo with a big smile.

The league has 14 players in their 80’s and two in their 90’s. Most of them experienced life in America during the Great Depression.

“We played ball in the streets,” recalled pitcher Jerry Sherwin. “We used garbage can covers or maybe a rock. If we were lucky we got a ball, but the ball never lasted a full inning, or should I say a full game, because they were so cheaply made.”

The best pitcher on the field is arguably Charlie Donahue who is 92.

“I have 18 grandkids, and eight children, and 20 great-grandchildren,” said Donahue.

He will be 93 in August and has no intention of slowing down. He has a busy softball schedule to attend to.

“Up north I play a Cape Cod league up there in the summer and here in the winter,” said Donoahue. “It’s fun, but it’s competitive. But, it is fun.”

That’s exactly what this league is all about – enjoying the game and enjoying the camaraderie.

“It’s phenomenal, it’s just a real good bunch of people who just love the game and truly love playing with each other and enjoying the fun,” said second baseman Sandra “Half Pint” Voegele.

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic took away the game and these connections for months. Getting back has helped a lot these players return to some sense of normalcy.

“It was rough, it was rough on all of us,” said Voegele. “I think we were all a little bit depressed, but now that we’re back out here we are extremely happy to be out here.”

With nearly the entire league vaccinated against COVID, there is a new goal – get more players out of their homes and out on to the field, regardless of athleticism.

“Just come on out, we’ll find a spot for you,” said Bartolo.

The 3-Score league is dedicated to growing their brand of softball. It’s one that is all about acceptance and engagement…and never believing you’re too old to get out and live.

“I think it extends your life,” saidi Deutsch.  

“I want to keep our guys running and staying healthy as long as we can,” said Bartolo. “That is the important part.”