Spring Training’s Over — Let the Games Begin!
By Dan Wohl
Spring training finally ended. The weather was not the best — wind and rain spoiled the fun of many a practice or practice game. Regardless, the boys had their month of practice games, the managers have their ideas of the lineups and the schedules started as everyone looked forward to better weather.
There are some changes this year. The Suffolk County Senior Softball Association (SCSSA) has added three teams this year: the Babylon Bulldogs, the Smithtown Patriots and the Brookhaven Statesmen. They are starting their schedule now and will finish near the end of August. There will be a week off in July and after the season, a week off to prepare for the playoffs. New player can join the SCSSA until June 15; eligibility is that you will be 59 in 2008. This is their second season and there are approximately 200 players in the league.
The Long Island Senior Softball Association Inc. (LISSA) began their league games on April 29 and they will end their season on September 11. They have between 375 and 400 players. During the week of June 29, there is no league schedule, but they are planning a picnic and two all-star games at Eisenhower Park. This year the league will have a tournament after the season. The date for the Hall of Fame luncheon/dance has already been set for Friday, October 3. The awards luncheon will be Friday, October 24.
Joe Friedman, head of the 68+ Nassau group has stated that there will be six teams in this league; they play on Mondays and Wednesdays at Baldwin Park. League play started on April 28 and will end on September15. A tournament will be held after the season.
The 68+ Suffolk teams are now known as the Brookhaven Senior (68+) Softball League. There are four teams playing on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Percy Raynor Field in East Setauket, starting May1 Players 68+ may still sign up.
The Hempstead Lake State Park group, headed by Bob Simmons, started on April 15, playing on Tuesdays and Fridays. These are pick-up games and all are guaranteed to game. They will continue playing through September and October as long as the weather is favorable. Bob’s indoor group had a great season too, with at least 50 to 60 players in attendance each session.
The Caledonia Park pick-up games started in April also. They play on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings (weather permitting) and will continue through October.
During the first week of April, I dropped in to see the Tigers and Bobcats practice game. It was great to see both teams out there in fine form, running, fielding and even getting some home-runs. The Tigers won this game, but the Bobcats have plenty of time to catch up. I also noticed that some teams have had practice games against the SCSSA league — this is a good sign for both leagues!
Let’s not forget the Long Island Senior Games celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. This event will run from June 10 through 19. However, there are events that start before that date, such as golf, bowling, bocci, trap shooting, etc. Softball is starting on June 15. There are several Nassau and many Suffolk senior softball players entering this even and others as well. For further information on the Senior Games, call 631-277-1213.
For information on senior softball, contact Dan Wohl at: 631 - 385-2070.
