The Irving Eagles: Senior Citizens and Softball

As a young girl, I played in a variety of sports but one of my favorites was softball. I can remember when my parents would come to watch me play, which made me feel so very proud. My dad told me he would give me $10 for every home run I made, so I began to motivate myself to do my best.

That was a very good year for me, as well as my team because we came in first place. Well, I am a grown woman, now and do not play softball, anymore, (at least not on a team). However, the roles reversed, as I have had the inspiring privilege of watching my father play softball with a senior citizen's team named the Irving Eagles.

Times have changed and I will tell you one thing, watching these seniors play softball is very exciting and captivating, as they are better than many younger players are. These guys and gals can run those bases and hit home runs quicker than you can blink an eye. I told my dad I would give him $10 for every home run he hit and boy was that a mistake. One thing is for sure, the crowd was never bored when watching these seniors play against each other.

To become a member of the Irving Eagles softball team the only requirement was the person had to be 55 years of age but no more than 110 years of age, with no preference to gender. Their pitcher was 92 years young, and this guy really knew how to throw that ball. There were not very many players who were able to get a hit off of him, and when they did the infield and outfield were ready and waiting. The opposing team would have a runner on first base who would try to sneak to second.

The catcher for the Irving Eagles had such a quick response, it was like watching a professional. He would take off his mask, stand up and make an impressive throw that would make it to second base before the runner did. You never would have guessed this man was 80 years old. I was awestruck as I witnessed this team play their hearts out. That year the team won first place in the championship and finished with 65 wins and 10 losses. Now, that is something to be commended and this team deserved it. The Irving Eagles demonstrated the true meaning of teamwork.

The Irving Eagles were not just a team, but they were also like family to one another. When one of their valuable and well-loved players passed away he was cremated. He requested to have his ashes scattered on the field where he played with his team members, and that is exactly what they did for him. The whole team had a memorial for him and scattered his ashes as they walked from first base to home.

There are those who assume senior citizens become inactive or slower when they reach a certain age and are not able to perform as good they used to. That is not true at all because senior citizens are very lively and active. They do not limit themselves and participate in many other sports and activities. They have their own leagues in bowling, dancing, pool, basketball, volleyball, softball and so much more. Senior citizens are definitely proof that age does not matter and you can do anything you want to do.