By JIM LUKSIC
The Progress
Here’s the pitch for the Mesquite Senior Games (MSG) annual Softball Spring Tournament, which started swinging on a sunny but crisp wind-free Saturday, April 6.
Games spanned over a pair of sessions: Ages 50-plus, 55+ and 60+ played over the weekend; participants aged 65+, 70+ and 75+ will take the fields on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 9-10.
The younger players squared off at Pioneer Park on Hillside Drive; their elders were scheduled to meet on the Old Mill Fields adjacent to the Rec Center. Three games were guaranteed for each squad in the double-elimination brackets.
MSG Director Sandy Tudor, who said Mesquite is the official home for Nevada Senior Games in the sport, summed up the significance of the match-ups:
“This is a qualifier for the National games that will take place in 2025 in Des Moines, Iowa. Any team winning here has an automatic berth to those games,” she explained.
From Tudor’s perspective, there’s more to it than competition and qualifying to advance. “Softball is a great sport, and to watch these women play is a testament to their commitment, dedication, and love of the game,” she said.
Umpire Cindi Lynn had played for years but was eventually sidelined due to shoulder surgery. That didn’t prevent her from staying involved.
“I still want to be a part of the game I love,” said Lynn, who arrived Friday night from Palm Springs, California.
The tourney’s co-coordinator Shaun Edwards, MSG board member and sports director, said that he’s impressed with the ladies who participate.
“They are such an inspiration!” he said. “We have teams who come from all over the country to participate in this Nationals-qualifying tournament, and they leave everything on the field!”
Edwards encouraged individuals around Virgin Valley who enjoy sports to watch the seniors play.
“I would invite anyone who plays ball to come to Old Mill Ballpark (next week) and watch how much effort the ladies put into playing the game,” Edwards explained. “If you think grandmothers ‘don’t have game,’ you are so wrong.”
Longtime pitcher Angie Pate traveled from Texas to reunite with her Bunch of Old Broads Softball teammates.
“I do it for the relationships with friends and the fun we have,” said Pate, who has participated in tournaments for a decade, despite undergoing leg and hip-replacement surgeries.
Also on hand was Patti Albrecht of Phoenix, who played shortstop for Stix With Impact. She echoed others’ feelings about participating primarily for fun.
“I love the camaraderie and friendships,” said Albrecht, who has played softball since she was 5.
Although many of the teams hail from California, traveling all the way from Maryland were the aptly named Roadrunners.
Body fuel in the form of breakfast sandwiches and coffee was available. Music floated from one field while players warmed up.
Up for grabs are gold, silver, and bronze medals distributed to the most successful clubs in each age division. The fee to participate in the MSG softball event was $5 per player and $425 for each team.
Last year, Edwards pointed out, kids in attendance were blown away by the women’s level of effort. “They are an inspiration to all who would take the time to watch them play,” he said.
Tudor, who has been a part of USA and SSUSA softball for decades, asserted that helping community members stay active and healthy is a “great investment” of her time.
