By Adam Donnelly

The seniors of summer — play ball!

Mar 21, 2018 | 3:12 PM

KAMLOOPS — Spring has arrived — which means the ball season is just around the bend.

But for these spry seniors, they’ve been playing since October, keeping their skills sharp for the upcoming season.

“We have 10 teams in our league,” says Mary Armstrong, who has been playing softball for 48 years.  “Including two from Salmon Arm and one from Sorrento.  It’s good for everybody to come out.  Whether a good player or not — as long as they come out and have some exercise.”

Mary Armstrong has been playing slow-pitch for the better part of five decades.  She says while things have slowed down a bit on the field, she still gets the same enjoyment from the game.

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“I enjoy the fun and playing with other people. I do like to play somewhat competitive ball whenever I can, but it doesn’t really matter.” says Mary, “It’s just to come out here and have a good time.”

Don Smith says of all the sports he’s played, slowpitch has been the one constant in his life.

“I’ve played ball more than I’ve played any other sport.” says Don, “I’ve always enjoyed it — personal accomplishment — you know how you feel when you do well, it doesn’t matter what age you are you still can appreciate what you’ve done well or can do well.”

The seniors league is always looking for players, no matter their experience level or ability. According to Smith, people can drop out for many different reasons.

“You always need more players — you get an ageing group, you get an injury, and not coming back, so  you fall out of the team or you fall out of the league — so, yeah, there’s always need for new players.”

Despite the bodies that may not be as spry as they once were, that competitive spirit carries on for many athletes.

“The competitiveness comes from the individual.” says Don, “And of course on some teams throughout the league some stack their team — they want nothing but good players.   But we still play against them, and we still have a good time.   Sometimes we beat them — any team can be beaten at any given time.”

For more information on joining the seniors slow-pitch league, call Gord Bell at 250-318-5933 or 250-828-1624.