Rain or Shine, Seniors Aching to Play Ball

Cold and damp weather has contributed to aching bones, respiratory issues, and muscle fatigue for Culver City Senior Softball players, who under ideal conditions have enough issues bending to field ground balls, swinging at high-arc pitches and running around the bases.

It’s all a part of the game for some 100 senior citizen athletes, who cherish the chance to play ball every Sunday morning at Veterans Park in a City of Culver City sponsored league that has lasted almost as long as the lives of some of the old-timers still playing.

Men, ages 55 and older, and women, 45 and up, participate in the parity league sponsored by the Culver City Dept. of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, providing opportunities for its players to play a game they love and make new friends.

Seniors of all skill levels may visit managers during weekend morning practices or games at Vets Park to be drafted as a full-time or substitute player.

“This thriving league supports fitness, camaraderie, and well-being for our senior population,” said Culver City Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services Corey Lakin.

“Everyone hits, runs, fields, throws and jokes around as if the clock has been turned back to our younger days. We tease each other and have a great time,” said league commissioner Rich Jebejian.

BrokButcher.com recently took the league title for the second consecutive year by winning numerous one-run decisions in the playoffs.

“Every game could have gone either way, proving any team with luck could have won the championship,” said Butcher, a former Los Angeles Angels professional baseball player.

BrokButcher.com overcame a 6-run deficit in the ninth inning and a four-run hole in extra innings to defeat Galen Financial Green, 33-32, to reach the finals.

Sparked by the defense of Rookie of the Year shortstop Clay Collins, second baseman Reggie Mason and first baseman Walt Shubin, BrokButcher.com upended Johnnie’s Auto Royal Blue, 18-7, in the championship game.

Hank Kirksey, Paul Thiele, Tim Dupler, Dario Serna, Alan Sperling, Rich Jebejian, Steve Fiske, Mike Brackeen, Shubin, Collins, and Mason had key hits throughout the playoffs.

For league information, contact league administrator Bill King ([email protected]).

TWICE CROWNED: Earning its second Culver City Senior Softball League consecutive title, BrokButcher.com topped Johnnie’s Auto Royal Blue, 18-7, in the championship game at Veterans Park. From left (standing) Hank Kirksey, Walt Shubin, Paul Thiele, Reggie Mason, Clay Collins, Tim Dupler, Dario Serna, manager Gary Butcher, and Alan Sperling. (Seated) Rich Jebejian, Steve Fiske, and Mike Brackeen. Photo by Bill King

Mike Cohen

The Actors' Gang

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*