Still Swinging: Senior Softball Thrives in Pittsburgh

By Emily King

The Northern Allegheny County Senior Softball League (NACSS) is celebrating its 39^th year of play, and the interest is greater than ever. This competitive, slow pitch league attracts players from all over Allegheny County and beyond, with some coming from as far as Ohio and West Virginia to play. Most games are played at North Park. 

“Senior softball is a big deal nationwide. There are three primary national senior softball organizations that sponsor tournaments all over the country,” says Ron Zankey, league president. With the Baby Boomer generation in the prime age groups for senior softball, there’s no wonder it has become so popular.

As of last season, there were 285 players competing on 20 teams in three age divisions: Silver Division (age 50 and older), Gold Division (62 and older), and Bronze Division (71 and older). Twenty-eight regular season games are scheduled beginning the first week of May, with teams playing twice per week. A season ending tournament concludes in late August. The Silver Division organized its first Fall League last year with 4 newly assembled teams continuing to play through mid-October. Some retired players even play year-round by organizing practice games at the indoor North Park Sports Complex on winter weekday mornings.

Players are required to attend at least two of eight scheduled evaluation sessions and then are drafted onto an existing team. The overwhelming majority of those players remain on the same team until they are ready to move to an older division. There is even the occasional trade between teams. There is some attrition every year due to players getting older, life changes, and injuries. If player turnout continues to be good, NACSSL will expand to more teams.

The Bronze division guarantees a spot for every player that signs up. Players still attend a few evaluation sessions. The managers take the information they collect to a joint meeting where the managers assemble the teams as equally as possible and then draw numbers from a hat to determine which team each manager will manage. 

The league plays by USA Softball rules, supplemented by additional safety measures. Safety rules require USA Bats and balls that are softer with less of a severity index rating. There is no contact at home plate, and the pitcher is protected by a pitching screen. 

While there are 20 teams, the league instills a “One Fraternity” model where players are encouraged to befriend their teammates and opponents alike. Many players socialize together though travel tournament teams, bowling leagues, celebrating birthdays, or just getting together to watch a sporting event. Players often stick around in the parking lot for an hour or two after their games to discuss the game and their softball exploits. 

“In many ways it is like a men’s support group where we have softball as a conduit and we never tire of talking softball,” says League Secretary, Dan Harrison. 

 “I remember a lunch after a softball practice at the North Park Sports Complex where six of us were at a table just having our normal discussions. Next to us a guy was quietly having lunch with his wife. He paid his check and visited our table. He asked, ‘Can I ask how you guys know each other?’ One of our players said, ‘we play softball together.’”

“As he walked away, I pondered his question and came to the realization that what he saw were six guys having a great conversation with the same enthusiasm that high school kids or college students have when they get together. It was then I realized I’m in the right place.”

There are many reasons players enjoy senior league softball. 

“It’s a great way to stay in shape, a chance to get out and get some sunshine, to enjoy the thrill of competition, to meet new people and to enjoy the camaraderie of team play,” says Harris.

 Approximately 40-50 players are members of traveling regional and national tournament teams. 

“However, the majority of players are average guys who still enjoy the game they grew up playing as kids.”

For more information about NACSSL, visit nacssl.com or email Harris at danharri811@yahoo.com.