The Henderson County Senior Softball League formed in the late 1990s when a group of retirees got together for some batting practice. Eventually there were enough members to enter a league against guys half their age—with predictable results. In short, they didn’t win. But a little recruiting and a year or two later, they had enough players to form multiple teams; plenty of guys for intramural competition.
League PR Director Ed Nielsen declares, “This is what Little League is supposed to be.” According to Nielsen, “Everyone [in the Senior Softball League] applauds a good effort, even by players on the opposing team, and even when that effort isn’t successful.” He adds, somewhat facetiously, “Maybe things work so well because we don’t have parents in the bleachers yelling at players, coaches and umpires.”
The minimum age to join the Senior Softball League is 50; there is no maximum. At 82, Harold Sternfeld is the league’s current elder statesman. Member Glen Lindsey, who is 68, shares, “I really thought about hanging up my cleats this year, but then I started watching Harold play and figured, if he can do it, I can do it. He’s my hero.”
The league plays every Tuesday and Friday morning in Hendersonville’s Jackson Park. There are no residency requirements. If you’d like to resurrect your childhood, call 698-3448 or go to www.LJRsoftball.com for more information.
