They had a over 50's softball league and thought maybe there would be some interest in a over 40's league. Mike was playing in 3 leagues then and was turning forty that fall.
He agreed to get it a shot.
The games were played out at the softball complex, but were completely independent from the city program.
An article appeared in the Courier News about the new league along with our home phone number and the 40's masters was born.
Mike was excited when our phone started ringing. Me not so much...
Men would call and ask about joining - some had 5 or 6 guys that wanted to play together and Mike filled the rest in with singles.
That first year he had 4 teams and the league was born.
There were no sponsors. Each player paid to play. The city ordered t-shirts in different colors.
Of course Mike had his own group of guys for his own team. The Navy Team!
The league has been holding steady with 8 teams for quite a few years now, but Mike was ready to give the paper work and all the hassles to someone else.
Men wouldn't pay. Managers wouldn't turn in rosters. Rain outs were time consuming. Time for someone else to run the league.
All of a sudden Monday nights were fun again.
His team is good. They have won the league 6 years in a row now - Undefeated.
Teams complain that he stacks his team. Anybody who know Mike know that's is so not him. It's just guys brings their softball friends along. Rules were made to make it harder for the "Navy" team. Home runs were outs 1 yr. Doubles the next yr. then singles. It didn't matter. Navy Ruled!
Mike spends the majority of the time just coaching now. I can tell when he comes home if he does play though, his knees give him away.
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| 2016 Team Navy |
None of the original team is still with him, but Eric's (the youngest on the team who turned 40 this year) father and uncle played with Mike the first few years.
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