Thomas Levins has played softball and baseball for most of his life, but when he hit 60 years old, he figured it was time to put away his spikes. Not so fast. Eight years ago, Levins joined the Montgomery County Senior Softball League and found a collection of players around his age who still love the game and want to compete. Levins became commissioner in 2023 and now presides over the league, which is entering its 26th year and has 14 teams comprising more than 130 players who range in age from 60 to 92.
A few times a week, it’s game day, and players get to put on a uniform and head to the field. Games are held weekday mornings and early afternoons from April through mid-October. The motto: “If you had fun, you won.” And there’s also a philanthropic component. Since 2015, the league has donated $21,150 to charitable organizations. Last year, through various initiatives, they raised $5,200 for the Variety Club.
“We’re fortunate to go out at our age and still have some skills left,” says Levins, now 69. “We keep score during the games, and people know who won and lost, but we have no stats and no standings. We don’t want to get super-competitive, because things can get out of hand.”
Of the two divisions, one is made up of better players who are a little more competitive, and the other is more recreational. Both approach softball in the same way: It’s about enjoying the sport and minimizing any potential injury.
“Obviously, the fellas—and one woman—all love the game,” says Jim Marple, the league secretary, who’s been playing since 2011. “It starts out with that. They get into the league, and there’s a social aspect and a friendship aspect.”
The league was founded in 1999 by Vic Zoldy, who advertised in a local paper for softball players. Twelve showed up—and that “dirty dozen” would form the nucleus of the league. He deputized some friends to help with establishing rules, assembling teams and finding fields. Their first game took place on April 20, 1999, with 18 players divided into a pair of teams.
The seven-inning, slow-pitch games feature 11 players on the field at once—four outfielders, four infielders, a shortfielder, a pitcher and a catcher. Everyone hits, whether they’re on the field or not. Sliding is prohibited. So are “hot bats,” which can launch balls further and faster than the traditional versions. The league uses a lower-compression ball, and pitchers can work behind screens to protect themselves. “One part of the league’s camaraderie is commiserating about physical ailments,” says Marple. “Some people have had hip and knee replacements and are still out there doing their best.”
Thanks to his friendship with Zoldy, Ray Forlano began playing in the league’s first season, and he continues to play today at 86 years old. “The camaraderie is great,” he says. “When you get to our age, you know what happens. The fellas I played golf and softball with—most of them are gone. Even the ones still around aren’t able to do those things.”
Forlano grew up in Philadelphia and played baseball in high school. He was 61 when Zoldy organized the league, and he played shortstop initially. Today, he mostly pitches—which allows him to stay in the more competitive division. “For me, this has been a godsend,” Forlano says. “It’s like being a teenager again. God has been really good to me, and as long as he lets me, I’ll keep going.”
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