Softball leagues keep seniors in the game

When it comes to staying active, many people 55 or older choose softball.

Sun City Summerlin has about 70 residents on six softball teams playing in two leagues -- the American League and the National League. The latter is pretty much just for fun. The serious players are involved in the American League, which operates under the auspices of t he USA Softball League.

"For some guys, it's a carryover from their younger years," said Dick Danzak, vice president of the Sun City Summerlin Softball League, who's played for 12 years. "It's good for staying in shape, and then there's the camaraderie."

They play at the ball field at the Pinnacle Community Center, 2215 Thomas W. Ryan Blvd., which has grass in the infield and outfield, as opposed to having a dirt infield , which can be rough for those inclined to slide into home plate, especially when wearing shorts. Nose-first dives can deliver a personal lesson on the phrase "eat dirt."

Each Summerlin team is made up of 11 men, with two pitchers who trade off the duty.

Unlike baseball, where the ball is fired at the batter, softball uses an arched pitch. The ball is fatter, not as hard as a baseball, and doesn't fly as fast.

"But that sucker still hurts when you get hit," Danzak said.

He should know. He's taken a searing line drive to a leg, an injury that took three weeks to heal. For that reason, pitchers have the option of using a screen for protection.

Another difference from baseball: If the pitch hits home plate, which is a 16-inch-by-24-inch rubber mat, it's considered a strike. Should the batter have two strikes and his next hit goes foul, that's considered his third out. It's a rule that keeps the game moving.

"So you can't sit there and hit 10 foul balls in a row," Danzak said.

Runners cannot steal bases in softball, nor can they "lead off" -- step off the base to attempt an early start.

Umpires are culled from within the ranks. Sometimes they are men who have undergone a teaching session with a certified umpire.

Sun City Anthem has a softball club of about 85 players, including a handful of women. They play every Tuesday and Friday on two fields.

John Molfetta, who coordinates the play, said they did away with teams in the interest of having a good time.

"It's whoever shows up, it's old school, the 'choose up,' " he said. "It started pretty competitive, then we figured out it was easier just to have fun."

The players can opt for metal bats . Molfetta said the alloy bats make for a harder and farther hit.

"It's what we call 'juice,' " he said.

Still, aging knees are a factor in running, and he estimated 75 percent of the hits are singles.

The season begins around the end of September and goes until mid- May. Two games are scheduled each week. With the Las Vegas weather, only about two days in each season are cancel ed.

"Occasionally, you'll have a real cold day with the north wind blowing down hard and you go, 'Nuh-huh, we're not going to play today,' " Danzak said.

The Las Vegas Senior Softball Association has been around since 1986. It plays at Lorenzi Park, 3333 W. Washington Ave.

There are at least four teams for those 65 or older. Snowbirds make a difference here, too.

A handful of players were, at one time, signed to the minor leagues for baseball. Many men play out of town a couple of times a season, said field commissioner Chuck Godman, 71. They go to Mesquite , Bullhead City, Ariz. ; and Palm Springs, Calif .

"One guy is 87," he said . "He can still run, hit and throw ... if a guy is still playing when he's in his 80s, he's my idol."

The Las Vegas Softball Association numbers more than 300 players 50 or older. About 20 percent are women. They are not a league but form teams each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday as members show up. They play year-round.

"Rain or shine, we're out there," said George Hernandez, president. "When it's windy and cold, we wear gloves and head warmers. Some people wear thermal underwear. We're so bundled up, you'd think we were marching to Alaska."

Team names at tournaments include The Neons, No Limits, or are named after sponsors. One team is named Ryan's Team and honors a veteran who died in the Middle East.

Sun City Aliante has had softball fever for the past two years. The 55-plus community has 25 players. They play pickup games.

Theirs is a laid-back group of players, where effort counts more than talent.

"We only just started calling balls and strikes a few months ago," said Joe Shuman, who is in charge of the program.

Safety is a top priority. The Aliante group has a "run through" rule to avoid collisions at bases. Being within six feet of home plate is considered a run.

Mesquite has softball for the older set, as well. Its two teams are making plans to come to Las Vegas to battle the teams here.

Mesquite players are ages 50 to 75, play each Monday and Wednesday and include a handful of women. Commissioner Jim Eggenberger said its ranks swell with so many snowbirds in winter, it adds a third team.

"We have three rules: have fun, encourage each other and no bitching or you're liable to be made manager," he said.

For more information about the Las Vegas Softball Association, visit lvssa.com.

Contact Summerlin/Summerlin South View reporter Jan Hogan at jhogan@viewnews.com or 387-2949.