adult baseball leagues

[ohboy]

If you play in an adult baseball league, what is the competition like for you? any former pro or D1 college players? Is it mostly comprised of wanna-be's? Just curious the competition level.

[onbaseball]

It really depends on the league.

I played D-1 almost 15 years ago and have since played in close to a dozen different semi-pro / adult leagues (NY / NJ area). Some were filled with wannabe's who hadn't even played in high school, a few were elite (former pros, top college kids), and the others were mixed.

These days, many of the better adult teams will participate in tournaments (there are several organized by the NABL on dugout.org). If you trace a team in one of these tournaments back to its "home base", there's a good chance the league they play in will be fairly competitive.

Also, many leagues will have "levels" or divisions --- i.e. "A", "AA", "AAA" --- that are supposed to separate the more advanced players from the wannabe's.

[TigersFanB406]

Um...all of us on here love baseball. What the hell is a "wanna-be"? Is it one of those guys who never got to play organized ball and wants to be in a league just to have fun? If so, I'm a wanna-be eh?

[bluezebra]

I never played in any leagues, but I umpired in some. One in particular was in the San Fernando Valley (CA), and was highly organized. There were former pros (Mexican League), college and high school players. The competition was better than some college games I watched.

Bob

[catcher24]

I used to play in an over 40 league in western New York. Most of the teams were from northeastern Ohio. At least two players in the league had gone as high as AAA ball, and several had played at the A level, including one pitcher on my team. Strangely enough, the pitcher on our team and an outfielder on one of the Ohio teams had played against each other in the Florida State League many years ago (early 60s), and the Ohio player still had the clipping of the boxscore from the game they had faced each other!

Most of the players in the league, though, were former high school players or American Legion players. I had never played on an organized baseball team prior to this (although I had played in softball leagues for many years), so I guess that made me a wannabe, and I did well enough. It was great fun.

[gator#20]

I play in the NABA 28AAA in the Sacramento area. There are about 10 teams in 28AAA. I played 4 years college and had a short stint in independent pro ball. I'm 29 now and would never go through a summer without playing.

The level of competition for 28AAA follows:
28AAA- 4 year’s college exp, ex pro's mostly A-AAA, I’ve heard Fernando Vina might play the 2007 season

28AA- 2-4 year’s college experience, junior college exp, plays every summer
28A- high school, 2 years college (maybe), limited organized playing time

The NABA Sacramento has 18AAA, AA, A and 38AAA, 40AAA - don't know about the 38+ leagues but the 18AAA is highly competitive.

[metropop]

Jim Rhome said "adult baseball guy" is the absolute biggest loser in amateur sports. I am 36 and have played for the past 7 seasons in the local MSBL and we laughed at that rant probably more than anyone.

Senior League baseball is pretty simple, you got some studs, duds and everything in between but everyone out there loves playing the game. Each week during the season you get to spend about 5-6 hours joking, telling lies, ribbing your teammates so how can you go wrong. Everyone is just a baseball player, some good and some not but its during that time that you forgot about being an adult for a couple hours and get to be a kid again.

I recommend giving it a try if possible, its been a lot of fun!!

[riverhawk]

Jim Rhome said "adult baseball guy" is the absolute biggest loser in amateur sports. I am 36 and have played for the past 7 seasons in the local MSBL and we laughed at that rant probably more than anyone.

Senior League baseball is pretty simple, you got some studs, duds and everything in between but everyone out there loves playing the game. Each week during the season you get to spend about 5-6 hours joking, telling lies, ribbing your teammates so how can you go wrong. Everyone is just a baseball player, some good and some not but its during that time that you forgot about being an adult for a couple hours and get to be a kid again.

I recommend giving it a try if possible, its been a lot of fun!!

Amen to that. I finished up my college career in '05 and am now playing in an adult league now, playing with some of the guys I grew up with (many of whom also played in college, but there are some who didn't) Its a blast. I recommend it.

[yankee spazz]

I Run a Adult Wood bat League .And let me Tell you..Wood Makes a Big Diffence when you Play..It`s More of a equal Game ,No Matter What your level .You still need to play Solid Defense and Hit the Ball. Good Hitters will always hit.I see Wood Bat leagues Coming Back Strong in the Next 5 Years .Regardless of the Cost, That some say Come from Using wood..I say Baloney ,Good Hitting Style will save the Bats .However Pitchers can Now pitch inside and make it more Real . You Can Relate to the Pros when you hit with Wood ..Those Cheap Hits are Now Harder to Come by . My league in the 2 years we`ve used Wood have had 3 No hitters. !! I see how some Colleges are Letting Players wear Face protection While Playing ..This is Not Baseball and the New High Tech Bats are Looking more and More Dangerous , Due to the fielder and pitchers not able to protect themselves when a rocket is at you.

[hellborn]

Jim Rhome said "adult baseball guy" is the absolute biggest loser in amateur sports. I am 36 and have played for the past 7 seasons in the local MSBL and we laughed at that rant probably more than anyone.

Senior League baseball is pretty simple, you got some studs, duds and everything in between but everyone out there loves playing the game. Each week during the season you get to spend about 5-6 hours joking, telling lies, ribbing your teammates so how can you go wrong. Everyone is just a baseball player, some good and some not but its during that time that you forgot about being an adult for a couple hours and get to be a kid again.

I recommend giving it a try if possible, its been a lot of fun!!

WTF is Jim Rhome? Sounds to me like he's the loser...
Nobody who gets out there and tries to compete is a loser.

And, I think that "wannabe" tag that was thrown around before is stupid and offensive to everybody. That kind of attitude is ridiculous in this forum.

[catcher24]

Posted by hellborn:
WTF is Jim Rhome? Sounds to me like he's the loser...
Nobody who gets out there and tries to compete is a loser.

And, I think that "wannabe" tag that was thrown around before is stupid and offensive to everybody. That kind of attitude is ridiculous in this forum.

If you've listened to Jim Rhome very much, you realize that your description of him is pretty accurate. He's always getting down on other people, but I never hear of him doing anything but criticizing others. Agree with the second statement as well. Maybe someone being referred to as a "wannabe" didn't have the opportunity to play at the high school level because they had to work - like me. I finally got a chance for league play when I was in my 20's. Sorry, came from a single mom home and had to work to help out when I was in my teens. But better late than never.

[sschirmer]

Jim Rome is an idiot. Thank God we have an ESPN radio affiliate in Cincinnati again, so I don't have to listen to him anymore. That being said, in the two long years I listened to him, I believe it was "softball guy" that he ripped on, on "adult baseball guy". At any rate, I played ten years of NABF and AABC ball here in Cincinnati, and it was great. I played in the Roy Hobbs WS in Florida three times, and have great memories of the whole experience. We usually had 26-30 teams in our league, and it was highly competitive. We played some college teams, as well as some of the lower minor league teams in the area, and usually faired pretty well against them.

[hellborn]

If you've listened to Jim Rhome very much, you realize that your description of him is pretty accurate. He's always getting down on other people, but I never hear of him doing anything but criticizing others. Agree with the second statement as well. Maybe someone being referred to as a "wannabe" didn't have the opportunity to play at the high school level because they had to work - like me. I finally got a chance for league play when I was in my 20's. Sorry, came from a single mom home and had to work to help out when I was in my teens. But better late than never.

I hear you, bro. My LL career started when my mother was working 3 jobs to keep us afloat...I played a year and made the All Star team, but Mom had to duck out of her jobs to pick me up and drop me off. Dad was a little busy with the bottle at the time. I also got hurt during the season and had to go to the hospital, with the family having no health insurance. After the season, Dad sat me down and explained that the family didn't have the time or money for me to be goofing around playing baseball. Of course, he had all day to sit around and drink and money to pay for the booze, but, whatever. Thus ended my organized baseball career until I played in the NABA in my mid 20s.

And, you know what? No big deal...I love baseball, but I never wanted it to be the focus of my life. I studied hard in school, got a merit scholarship to a top 10 university, started a lucrative career, and made time to play ball once I had learned my professional ropes. I didn't have much of a chance to develop as a baseball player, but I developed more in other ways instead.

[CoachMJ]

Um...all of us on here love baseball. What the hell is a "wanna-be"? Is it one of those guys who never got to play organized ball and wants to be in a league just to have fun? If so, I'm a wanna-be eh?

Amen brother. i never played d1 but ive faced guys who have and the same motto stands "you hang em, we bang em." wanna-bes? i dotn care if this kid hucks 90 he aint welcome on my team. in every league there is one tema completely made up of guys like that. you all knwo what im tlaking about.

[JamesWest]

WTF is Jim Rhome? Sounds to me like he's the loser...
Nobody who gets out there and tries to compete is a loser.

And, I think that "wannabe" tag that was thrown around before is stupid and offensive to everybody. That kind of attitude is ridiculous in this forum.

I think he means Jim Rome.

[CoachMJ]

I think he means Jim Rome.

Jim Rome is a jerk. hes never tried to played pro sports but hes allowed to have an opinion about guys liek us who just like to get out there and play?

guy is a jerk.

[bluezebra]

Jim Rome is a jerk. hes never tried to played pro sports but hes allowed to have an opinion about guys liek us who just like to get out there and play?

guy is a jerk.

1..How do you know Rome never tried to play pro sports?

2..If he didn't, that still gives him the right to comment.

3..I never tried out for a pro sports team, but I did play semi-pro football. I officiated for 44 years, including some pro baseball (exhibition games), and claim the right to comment about anyone playing any sport. As everyone has that right, whether they played, or not.

4..I do agree that Rome is a jerk. But he still has the right to cooment.

Bob

[gator#20]

Rome should not be allowed to comment on things he has never done or experienced....period! Old saying "If you don't know what your talking about keep your trap shut"….something Rome should abide by. If I don't know politics I'm not going to go on CNN and talk about world affairs and look like a jerk off....no.....I'm not an expert on politics so I wont rant my idiotic comments all over public media and I don't think Rome is an expert on "adult baseball" either! So once again, "If you don't know what you’re talking about keep your trap shut". The more you know.......the ace man.

[CoachMJ]

1..How do you know Rome never tried to play pro sports?

2..If he didn't, that still gives him the right to comment.

3..I never tried out for a pro sports team, but I did play semi-pro football. I officiated for 44 years, including some pro baseball (exhibition games), and claim the right to comment about anyone playing any sport. As everyone has that right, whether they played, or not.

4..I do agree that Rome is a jerk. But he still has the right to cooment.

Bob

read my posts. im all for recreational/competetive sports.im talking about him making fun of people who play recreational, competetive baseball. he says we are idiots and wasting our time. if we have no right to play and have fun then why does he have a right to comment on baseball. were oth doign what we want.

second i know he never played any pro-sports cuz i goolged it. and third he obviously doenst participate in any non-pro sport activites because he makes fun of them.

[JamesWest]

Rome should not be allowed to comment on things he has never done or experienced....period! Old saying "If you don't know what your talking about keep your trap shut"….something Rome should abide by. If I don't know politics I'm not going to go on CNN and talk about world affairs and look like a jerk off....no.....I'm not an expert on politics so I wont rant my idiotic comments all over public media and I don't think Rome is an expert on "adult baseball" either! So once again, "If you don't know what you’re talking about keep your trap shut". The more you know.......the ace man.

If that were the rule, then sites like this would shut by the dozens.

[catcher24]

Posted by hellborn:
And, you know what? No big deal...I love baseball, but I never wanted it to be the focus of my life. I studied hard in school, got a merit scholarship to a top 10 university, started a lucrative career, and made time to play ball once I had learned my professional ropes. I didn't have much of a chance to develop as a baseball player, but I developed more in other ways instead.

Sounds like you've done mighty well for yourself, and made the most of what life offered to you. My sincere congratulations. This reply is certainly off topic, but I think anyone who has gone through the problems you described and prospered deserves a big hand!!:clapping Hope you had half as much fun playing as I did when you finally got the chance.

Regarding the Rome postings (apologize for my previous misspelling of the name), I have to agree with those who believe Rome has the right to say what he wants, regardless of whether it has any merit or intelligent thought behind it or not (neither of these usually apply to Rome's comments). Thousands of Americans have fought and died for that privilege, and just because you don't agree with what is being said, he still has the right to say it.

[hellborn]

Sounds like you've done mighty well for yourself, and made the most of what life offered to you. My sincere congratulations. This reply is certainly off topic, but I think anyone who has gone through the problems you described and prospered deserves a big hand!!:clapping Hope you had half as much fun playing as I did when you finally got the chance.

...
I appreciate the kind words. Things weren't all that bad for us...we always had a house, the basics of life, good schools. My Dad eventually got his act back together and started working again, moderating the drinking somewhat. I guess that it was tough on us kids not being able to enjoy some of the nice things in life, but I think it was toughest on my mother...she worked like a dog to keep us going, and didn't get to spend much time with us. I miss the time with her far more than any baseball leagues.
I did love playing when I got a chance. I was a regular softball player and always loved to hit baseball at the cages, but breaking balls were a revelation to me. I remember the first time I finally hit a curve fair, I drove it off the pitcher's hand and he had to come off the mound...ended up getting some big hits off the curve in the years after that, after I learned to read it. Never had any luck with sliders, though, those remained mysteries to me.
Having my own family now makes it tough to find baseball time these days, so I'm back to softball for the time being...but I'm hoping to get some time in my local wood bat league next season. Wish me luck! And best of luck to all of you, too.

[catcher24]

OK, then, Good Luck!

[bluezebra]

Rome should not be allowed to comment on things he has never done or experienced....period! Old saying "If you don't know what your talking about keep your trap shut"….something Rome should abide by. If I don't know politics I'm not going to go on CNN and talk about world affairs and look like a jerk off....no.....I'm not an expert on politics so I wont rant my idiotic comments all over public media and I don't think Rome is an expert on "adult baseball" either! So once again, "If you don't know what you’re talking about keep your trap shut". The more you know.......the ace man.

So, by your "thinking", anyone who never held public office has a right to comment on those in office? Or the messes they get us into? As I said, I never played, or tried out for, pro sports, but I definitely have the right to comment on those who play the games.

Someone may study sports, and know what they're talking about, though never having competed. I'll bet you never officiated any sport, but complain about the officials.

Bob

[flea45]

i think the wannabes thing wasnt meant to be insulting, more a fun poke at the older guys that play who still play like they are tennagers playing high school ball, and take a fun game of baseball a tad too seriously.... yes/no??

[gator#20]

So, by your "thinking", anyone who never held public office has a right to comment on those in office? Or the messes they get us into? As I said, I never played, or tried out for, pro sports, but I definitely have the right to comment on those who play the games.

Someone may study sports, and know what they're talking about, though never having competed. I'll bet you never officiated any sport, but complain about the officials.

Bob
I’m not talking about anyone’s RIGHT’S, as you put it. Try reading “intelligently” on what I posted? My “thinking” is that people should or “who never held public office” should not make comments when they are not informed, especially over ANY public or nationally televised Medias. But as you say they have that right and everybody’s fought all these years to uphold, that’s all fine and dandy, but in my mind they are sounding like a morons, an idiot, possibly ignorant and that’s your choice you have that right. And in this day and age we have one too many loud mouths. Bob - you have a right to comment on every pro player too your hearts content, but if I’m talking about Barry “the creep” Bonds and you come over and say “isn’t that the Olympic sprinter who tested positive for steroids”, you will sound like a retard, becaue your're not informed and that is dangerous over puplic national televised medias. Anyone disagree? Think before you open your trap, why is that so hard to comprehend?

I have never officiated any sport (you got me there) but I’ve played competitive baseball since 92’ at various levels. Hard to imagine, but I don’t complain about the umpires, even though I’ve seen some horrendous officiating, because umpires are human and humans make mistakes, they‘re like the weather you cant control what or how it’s going to be……….the more you know.

I would like to hear some feed back, am I the only person to feel this way?

[metropop]

Man, the Jim Rome (Rhome) thing was completely taken out of context. The point trying to be made was that it didn't matter what the perception was off the field, just play the game if you want.

As for the comments about the wood bats. We sprinkled in about a half dozen wood bat only games this year for the first time. Guys that pitch primarily loved it and the guys out there mostly to hit, did not. With an alluminum bat, a guy like myself at 36 years old can sit behind a desk all week and still get lucky and take one deep on occasion. Forget about it with a wood bat. I do wish college and high school would make the switch to wood though.

Major league ball clubs should find a way to subsidize high schools to put wood bats in the kids hands. I promise it would be much cheaper than investing draft dollars signing kids that that never can make the transition from alluminum to wood upon being drafted. Hell, alluminum bat cost are nearing a point where going back to wood is viable option. Most "decent" alluminum bats start at nearly $200 and that will buy you nearly 5 sticks so we really are close to a push between the two dollar wise.

[ohboy]

i think the wannabes thing wasnt meant to be insulting, more a fun poke at the older guys that play who still play like they are tennagers playing high school ball, and take a fun game of baseball a tad too seriously.... yes/no??
Yes, thanks for clearing that up. Was not meant to be insulting to those of us that play for FUN. At an age where some of us have family and careers - that's the #1 priority, the game is for fun. What I originally meant by the wanna be's, are those that are expecting to get Major League contract through this. If it happens great! Just don't expect it, or talk like you are the next great thing. Im with those that treat it as a hobby and would rather be doing this than some other hobby. I wasn't good enough to play pro ball, but I still love to play the game - adult baseball gives me that.

[CPatt44]

I play in an MSBL 25+ wood bat league. We have ex pro level players all the way down to guys that just love the game. HS and college experience pretty much dominates our ranks.Most of our teams are competitive with the exception of one that was a walkover but it makes for great games and good baseball. Playing with wood is the only way to go. Keeps the game on an even field and makes you work to hit.

[tigers527]

Interesting stuff, between the people insulting eachother....you kids play nice or I'll stop the web site right here.....:D A couple thoughts I had,

Jim Rome to my memory never really "went off" on adult league BB players. He did as someone else already noted really goof on "softball guy". The only thing I really remember Rome saying about adult league BB, was when Jose Conseco was reported to have joined a league. He said something to the effect of, I would not want to be anywhere near Conseco with one of those "rocket launcher" aluminum bats...and god help the pitcher...and the like.

I have been vasilating with the idea of joining an adult BB league. I am kind of a goof ball that would have a tough time if I ended up on a team of "this is game seven of the WS" type guys. At 34 years old, I am thinking I will just wait until I can join the 35 and over league. When I would hope the "uber competive" people would have gained enough perspective, to appreciate my goofy ass? I would be showing up with my Muay Thai kickboxing cup, a pair of Chuck Taylors on my feet and a giant 1B glove, that more then a few softball people I also used the glove for claimed it was a hockey goalie glove.

Myself, I played intramural BB until 17, having only tried out for the HS team in 9th grade and not making it. After that it was much nicer to have money in my pocket, then to try out for a sport that would of eaten away at most all my available working hours. I just think it would be fun to see if I could hit Nicole Richies weight, and maybe make fewer errors then assists. Having season tickets to the Tigers and the schedule conflicts, also puts me off???

Anyone have advise for me?

[catcher24]

Posted by Tigers527:
When I would hope the "uber competive" people would have gained enough perspective, to appreciate my goofy ass?

Some people never get over that. I was in a 40 and over league, and had a great time at first. The guys playing on the team when I started were all out to have a good time. It was nice to win, and you gave it 100%, but the main thing was to get together with the other team after the game for some food and beverages and rehash that days (and the previous ten years') events. Then the older guys started leaving, and many of the "younger group" were in your "seventh game of the series" mindset. Got to the point where if you made an error or left someone on base it started eating at you, because of the reaction of the win at all cost teammates. Got to the point I wasn't looking forward to the games, and then I knew it was time to leave. But it was great for about the first seven years. The last three or four, not so much fun.

So I can't really give you any advice. Even at my current age (55), I'd go back if I could find a group like the original team I started with. If you got in with a group like that, go for it. Problem is, you don't know until you start playing with them!

[bluezebra]

read my posts. im all for recreational/competetive sports.im talking about him making fun of people who play recreational, competetive baseball. he says we are idiots and wasting our time. if we have no right to play and have fun then why does he have a right to comment on baseball. were oth doign what we want.

second i know he never played any pro-sports cuz i goolged it. and third he obviously doenst participate in any non-pro sport activites because he makes fun of them.

As obvious as your poor spelling and punctuation. I reiterate, whether he played sports or not, he has the right to his opinion, as asinine as it may be. If he upsets you so much, don't watch, or listen, to his programs. Again, I think he's a total jerk, so I don't watch his program(s) on TV.

Bob

[Dallas Dodger]

We play in the 18+ Aluminum in the North Texas ABL. It's basically college level baseball with some ex-pros and high school level players. They started the wood bat division this year, which hurt my division with less teams, but it will get better. I wouldn't mind going wood bat as long as it's not cost prohibitive. We just didn't have time to make that transition this year, nor did I want to hurt the other teams. The league needs to stay strong and grow.

[Staredge]

I've played (and will again) in a local over 30 'non-competitive' league...which basically means we all get bent out of shape when we lose :grouchy :laugh Only play 12 games per season (Spring/Fall) with the last 2 being 'playoff' games. No stats....no practices.....games on Sunday mornings. Nice league. One team who actively recruits the good players and wins most of the championship games. Couple of teams that are solid. One or two that suck but have a good time playing. I never played as a kid, so it's nice....even if I'm the fat guy who would suck at softball. :rofl: (well...I am!!!!) Wish we would go to wooden bats though. We do have some guys that got game, and some pitchers and infielders that don't. I'm afraid someone's gonna get hurt one of these days.

[REKER 9]

I play in the HR NABA (Hampton Roads NABA) league and id say the competition in our area is very good. We have a few college guys on our team and we play in the 18A division. The 18AA and 18AAA teams consist of the ex-pros/D1 kids, etc and their teams are REALLY good. The team we played to open the season had two Independent League guys whos season hasnt started yet and that was why they were out there playing against us. lol.

Id say for our area, the competition is awesome. Its almost as though we give berth to alot of professional grade athletes, especially for baseball. David Wright, BJ Upton, Mike Cuddyer, Ryan Zimmerman, and Justin Verlander just to name a few.

[goldsox36]

i play in an 18+ league in NJ...we have B level, AAA, AA, and A...A is the highest skill and they have some pro players. i only know this cause i saw Mike Cust and went to his baseball academy about 5 years ago. Jay Crawford from cold pizza was on that team too

edit: mike cust made it to AA in the braves organization...his brother jack has had cups of coffee but is still in the SD organization

[BigAndSerious]

I also play in the league, and its actually Kevin, not Mike who plays on the team with Jay Crawford. They are the Middlesex Reds ( www.middlesexreds.com ). The league is backwards, in that A level is the highest... when in the baseball world we all know AAA is the highest.

Jack is not with San Diego... he's been tearing up the AL as the DH for the Oakland Athletics!

[tadlock11]

http://s210.photobucket.com/albums/bb35/bayareabombers/
here is our teams photobucket album.

[YankeeFan01]

edited.....

[YankeeFan01]

Well I liked it :laugh

[YankeeFan01]

meant to edit my previous post, sorry.

[nccavediver]

Some people never get over that. I was in a 40 and over league, and had a great time at first. The guys playing on the team when I started were all out to have a good time. It was nice to win, and you gave it 100%, but the main thing was to get together with the other team after the game for some food and beverages and rehash that days (and the previous ten years') events. Then the older guys started leaving, and many of the "younger group" were in your "seventh game of the series" mindset. Got to the point where if you made an error or left someone on base it started eating at you, because of the reaction of the win at all cost teammates. Got to the point I wasn't looking forward to the games, and then I knew it was time to leave. But it was great for about the first seven years. The last three or four, not so much fun.

So I can't really give you any advice. Even at my current age (55), I'd go back if I could find a group like the original team I started with. If you got in with a group like that, go for it. Problem is, you don't know until you start playing with them!

Had a similar experience in a hockey league. When 2 of the players left the team who were the ones getting down on others everything got better.

[metrotheme]

I like being competitive, but I really don't care about wins and losses at this point. Playing for those "win at all costs types" is pretty bad too, they're on the umpires all game and I've seen them shut guys out of playing time too.

Approaching my upper 20's, I just want to get out there, be competitive and play a good game. I play in two wooden bat leagues. The competition varies. Some teams have a really solid bunch, other teams resemble a softball team that decided to play baseball instead.

I'll agree with the above poster, that it is more about being on the field and forgetting about life for a few hours. It still gives me something to stay focused on with working out, etc (besides my job).

I also think that these age divisions are great for teams, as you can get in where you fit in, get in with guys that are in your age range and ability. Age is the great equalizer in this game.

[brooklynbushwick44]

I like being competitive, but I really don't care about wins and losses at this point. Playing for those "win at all costs types" is pretty bad too, they're on the umpires all game and I've seen them shut guys out of playing time too.

Approaching my upper 20's, I just want to get out there, be competitive and play a good game. I play in two wooden bat leagues. The competition varies. Some teams have a really solid bunch, other teams resemble a softball team that decided to play baseball instead.

I'll agree with the above poster, that it is more about being on the field and forgetting about life for a few hours. It still gives me something to stay focused on with working out, etc (besides my job).

I also think that these age divisions are great for teams, as you can get in where you fit in, get in with guys that are in your age range and ability. Age is the great equalizer in this game.

metro i couldn't agree with you more, i played one seasoon of div III college ball and have been playing in amatueur/semi-pro leagues for the past 6 seasons. it's all about having a good time and being a kid again for a few hours and shooting the breeze with the fellas. it's like i always say a bad day art the ball park beats a good day at work anytime hands down:cap:

[catcher24]

it's all about having a good time and being a kid again for a few hours and shooting the breeze with the fellas.

That's how it started out in the over 40 league I used to play in. Teams would come in from out of town, we'd play the game, then provide them lunch, some brews and talk about the game that day and baseball in general. Unfortunately, over the years as newer guys came onto the team it devolved into winning at almost all costs, and that was when I knew it was time to leave....:dismay:

[metrotheme]

I mean don't get me wrong, I want to go out there and play a good game and I try to keep myself in good shape to do so, but once the game is over, it's over. I've played in both very competitive men's leagues and more "recreational" type leagues, and the "rec" leagues sort of suck because the quality is poor and alot of the teams carry themselves very "bush league". The competitive leagues have people that are still too hell bent on "making the playoffs" and "winning the championship".

It is hard to find that middle ground. I think you can still have a very competitive team and not get all bent out of shape with wins / losses and getting everyone some playing time.

[glovemedic]

It is hard to find that middle ground. I think you can still have a very competitive team and not get all bent out of shape with wins / losses and getting everyone some playing time.


We have been real fortunate and stayed reasonably close to the balance of a competitive, but fun league. Don't get me wrong we still have some of the PT issues with particular individuals with high opinions of themselves, but over all most of us realize how lucky we are to have a decent league and not have to go play slo-pitch. Looks like we may be starting an over 30 group to play mid-week so folks like me with kids in tournament ball can get a few more ABs over the season.

Have fun and play hard!