Because of heavy traffic and our unfamiliarity with the Ft. Myers area, we are running late. I’m relieved to spot my cousin, Toby, waving us down in the parking lot of the athletic complex. She and her husband, Joel, are traveling with his baseball team. It’s a perfect opportunity to get together while we are snowbirds in Florida.

After hugs, Toby guides us to the correct ball field, nestled deep in the recreational park. All around us are sounds of baseball - bellows of umpires, cheers of spectators, and the crack of the bat. Activity is taking place simultaneously on several diamonds. Under the heat of the Florida sun, play is in progress, and it’s the middle of the second game of Joel’s doubleheader. 

Toby introduces us to her friends, and we settle low in the stands, ready to focus on the action. At that moment, a runner is rounding third and dashing for home. He hits the ground, sliding feet first into the plate to avoid the tag. Amid cheers and screams, the umpire signals he’s out. The player slowly gets up, his teammates gathering around him for support. Like a pro, he dusts himself off, making his way back to the dugout. 

This is an age 70-plus baseball league. Watching these seniors awakens my feelings of nostalgia, enthusiasm, and love of baseball. My fondness for the game began as an eight-year-old when Dad took me to see the Philadelphia Phillies, my first time at Connie Mack Stadium. My senses were overwhelmed by the red wooden seats, the green manicured field, the proximity of the famous players, and the smell of steaming hot dogs plopped into rolls right at our seats.

A foul ball coming in our direction brings me back to the present. By the speed and intensity of the pitches, certainly, we aren’t observing softball, slow pitch, or anything short of true baseball. Joel has been playing in this league for 30 years, starting on the age 40-plus team. He has established strong friendships. His teammates are former electricians, teachers, CEOs, and even retired ball players. Baseball is the tie that binds them together like a warm hug. 

The manager, Tommy,, served in the Marine Corps and treats his team accordingly. 
“Baseball is associated with time-honored traditions. It’s a game that if not respected, will quickly humble you,” he says.

Tommy’s management style includes distributing a Code of Conduct to his players entitled The Wonder Boys Way, clearly accentuating positive sportsmanship, passion, and teamwork. It includes guidelines for playing like champions, in both victory and defeat. Players know a high standard of behavior is expected and complete focus on the game. It’s not the time to chit-chat with wives or spectators. The team respects and pays attention to Tommy. When he recently lost his wife, the team-family was there to support him. 

Based in New Jersey, the league finds warm weather during the winter months, attending tournaments in places like Florida and Arizona. Wives and significant others seem to have as much fun as the players. Toby serves as head cheerleader and calls 911 in case of an emergency or serious injury. 
“It has happened. Shoulders and hips are particularly vulnerable,” she says.
She yells to the home plate umpire, “What’s the score?”  
“I’m not paid to keep score,” he replies.

Toby knows the team is losing, but she isn’t sure by how much - maybe 5 or 6 runs. We are reminded of the 10-run rule. If either team is up by ten runs, the game ends. But Joel’s team has started a rally. He leads off and snags a single by beating out a throw to first base - an impressive run. He makes it around the bases to score. In the end, the team will lose, but that doesn’t dampen the spirits of these guys. You can tell on their faces - they are ballplayers!