Quote:
Originally Posted by nostatic
ping Seahawk - iirc he still plays.
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Probably my last year, we'll see.
Gassy,
I play in two leagues, an over 30 league locally and an over 40 league in DC. I am 51 and I mostly pitch.
I started playing in an over 30 league 20 years ago and I've only missed a few seasons.
The over 30 league is very competitive...some of the guys think they still "have it", that a Yankee scout is in the stands to see him play. All in all, lots of ex college and HS players who love to play. The league is very well structured...no fighting or taunting (much less throwing at anyone) is allowed and the umps can ban you from the league on the spot...sort of like Nostatic
There are a few guys that can spot and throw in the low 80's...but you'd be surprised how much slower 80 looks now. I used to be able to throw hard but now I mostly mix my 60/70 fastball with a withering array of fork balls, knuckle balls and curves
The over 40 league is competitive but more relaxed...for all the reasons you'd think: older and wiser, no delusions of grandeur.
The good: Like playing any team sport, it is fun and I've made a lot of good friends throughout both leagues. A lot of the business types in the league like the opportunity to network.
The Bad: It is a time sink...practice can go long and the actual games can last deep into the night since they generally start after 5pm during the week. I don't play on weekends.
Some of the teams are very cliquish, so I've heard, so breaking into the player rotation can be hard. I've had no issues.
If you can pitch you'll be heavily recruited. Every team needs pitching, the more the merrier. I just pitch for the over 30 squad. I show up, get as far into the inning count as possible and then go home...no kidding, the 30 year old guys are still very good players and my services aren't required off the mound. You can time my run to first base with a sun dial
In over 40 I pitch or I play third.
Go and enjoy...but a few tips:
Even if you don't pitch, get your arm in shape early.
Work on your fielding. A friend of mine plays as well and we hit the local HS fields and hit a lot of grounders to each other.
Find a batting cage and hit, a lot. Get your own bat and get your own helmet.
This is going to sound stupid, but buy one of those instructional tapes they sell on the tube. You'll be surprised how much you've forgotten about the basics.
Edit: I thought of a few more things.
Get your first aid kit ready. I keep mine in the car. You will get nicked and I keep gauze, band aids, wraps, towels, ointments, tape, etc. at the ready.
Don't ask your wife or kids to come after the first game they watch...they'll feign interest but they would rather be anywhere else. Watching a bunch of older men play baseball is not a visual, stimulating treat.