April 2007 Vol. 26. No. 4

Published by the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka, California. HSRC is a non-profit community-based organization offering services for senior citizens, multi-generational families and caregivers.

Getting hands dirty: Stan Schmidt takesk kup where Verne Thornton left off
Ask HICAP: Be careful in choosing private Medicare plans
Join hands: Elders and youth work together
Special events and new activities at HSRC
Humboldt Classics: April is senior softball signup month
Make financial plans with your family

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Humboldt Classics April is senior softball signup month
by Art Jones

Attention all men ages 50 and older. Spring practice, workouts and signups will begin Tuesday, April 3, weather permitting, at the new Pacific Union School sports complex in Arcata starting at 5 p.m.

All new and past players are invited to warm up their arms, swing at some pitches and test the leather in fielding some hits. New players will be amazed at how skilled and youthful our players are and how favorably they compare.

Our 60s division (59-plus) has expanded to seven teams and is looking for new players to fill their rosters. If you're interested, show up at practice or call one of the commissioners: Bob London, 60s commissioner, 443-1845; Jack Eldridge, 50s commissioner, 441-9394; or Bill Brittain, association commissioner, 822-1075. Call John French, 442-2050, to confirm practice in case of inclement weather.

Largest growing athletic activitiy

The Humboldt Classics Senior Softball Association is part of the largest growing athletic activity for seniors. It offers the opportunity for men age 50 and older to play softball for the 2007 season. Last year's 176 participants played on either one of the five 50s teams or one of the five 59-plus teams. The leagues played on Tuesdays and Thursdays from the last week in May to the end of August, about an 18- to 21-game schedule.

There were also three traveling teams that competed with men of similar age from Southern Oregon (Medford, Grants Pass, Salem, Eugene, Bend), with a different team hosting a weekend tourney once a month. League ages range from 50 to 84 years old. There are currently more than 25 players who are 70 and older. Our rules are modified to promote safety and an enjoyable competition. Games are professionally umpired, organized and played on the best fields Humboldt County has to offer.

The cost is around $40 per person per season, and nothing if you play for a sponsored team. Opportunities to play on a state or national level abound, with several members having played at state, national and world championships, as well as the Huntsman World Senior Games in St. George, Utah. The game may cost you some sore muscles and aching bones, but the experience is priceless.