MLB and the young at heart

If you've ever wanted to play Major League Baseball, but you're past the prime age of MLB today, no worries - there is a division for you! Starting at age 35, you can play, go to the Championships and even to the World Series! Today we went to a game for the 65+ age group. My uncle (Arlo - my dad's younger brother) was called this week to come play for the team Dodger Town West - hoping to make it to the World Series in Cuba. My brother, Steven, and his kids met up with us and we went "out to the ballgame". There's something special about this league though. There's no sponsors, no overpaid athletes, no promotional gimmicks, no tickets to buy or parking to pay for, no 7th inning stretch, not even a working scoreboard. There is, however, the best of the best group of athletes who want to and enjoy playing the game. Not for the money obviously because we walked right into the park and probably doubled the number of fans for 4 fields with our small group (8 of us). It was amazing though - these guys are impressive and just as competitive as ever. They still get mad when they strike out, thrown out or hit a pop fly for an easy out. They still get upset with the refs for making a poor call, they cheer on their teammates and coaches can get away with calling their players "kid". And although they run a "little" slower than your average player, they love the game!

Arlo said he hasn't played baseball in probably 8 years - he's been playing slowpitch softball, but hasn't played baseball since he attended a Fantasy Baseball camp. He has his own baseball cards, jersey and wooden baseball bat. Aside from being an amazing and talented athlete, he's truly an amazing individual - happy all the time - just all around great guy! The kids cheered him on and called him "grandpa" "sorensen" and they loved missing school to go to a game.....shhhhhh, don't tell. :)

Quick side story: One of Arlo's teammates, asked where the kids' grandpa was. "Grandpa is in Norway." huh? They repeated it as I clarified we were watching Grandpa's brother and Grandpa really is in Norway. Oh, then he really is in Norway - yes he is. :) Smart kids!

First at bat - base hit

Playing shortstop

covering second for a base hit

Tanner with the help of Steven, retrieving a foul ball - the guy in the purple is NOT my brother - he's behind this guy holding Tanner, just happened to be in the shot - they were quicker than my camera to get the ball down.

One phrase comes to mind: "Please return all foul balls to the box on the third base side. Watch for cars, Thank you." Was spoken every time at my brothers' little league baseball games. Got a baseball gum if you returned the foul ball. SWEET! :)

ST-T-T-T-RIKE!

Swing batter, base hit!

My girls in pink! Go team!

Sorensen family fan section

gettin' a little exercise - our own 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th, inning stretch

2-hand touch football and catch on the side

Stealing 3rd!!!!! Go, go, go! (He had just stolen 2nd on the pitch before) - SAFE!

Meeting the pro - way to go Arlo!

A future MLB player - Tanner Sorensen

The game was pretty intense - came down to the last inning, runner on 3rd for the tie run, runner on 1st for the go-ahead, winning run. Arlo's team was ahead 5-1, they went 3-0 outs and back to the field. The other team scored 3 runs off one stand-up triple. Score is now 5-4 Dodgers still up by 1. The guy who hit the triple and is on third is one of the quicker guys on the field and can easily score given the chance. Hitter up, swing and high pop-fly shallow infield, caught by the 2nd baseman - batter's out - game over! Dodgers Town West wins! IT WAS AWESOME!