Marco’s Senior Softball - Where Age is Just a Number

You hear it all the time, “Age is just a number,” but to these old codgers at the ballfield, it is all about the “softball family.” Marco’s softball league might be the only place on or off the island where players who are in their 80s and 90s still swing a bat, hit and field a ball, and catch and run - they are living proof that age is just a number.

What does it really mean? According to the dictionary, “age is just a number” implies that age should not be a barrier to the choices someone makes or the things they want to achieve. In short, age should not restrict or define what a person can do or accomplish.

According to Tom Polston, the Marco Senior Softball League’s Commissioner, “20 of our 212 roster players are 80 or above, with John Ranieri at 93.” Tom added, “You don’t quit playing when you get old, you get old when you quit playing.” 

John Ranieri (93) is the league’s senior phenom. John will be 94 years young in April 2024. For the 2024 season, John will be on the Crazy Flamingo team.

Ray Niemeyer (87) played football for Missouri University and like most athletic guys, he enjoys playing any type of ball. For the 2024 season, Ray will be playing on the Crazy Flamingo team.

Al Bozzo (85) or Dr. Al was in the medical field and retired to Marco with his wife, Bonnie. He enjoys tennis, travel, and golf and his teammates enjoy his sense of humor. For the 2024 season, Al will be on the American Legion team.

Bill Dauch (88) always enjoyed sports for the fun of it and used to coach a sixth-grade football team. He loves playing softball for the friendship and having fun with the guys. For the 2024 season, Bill will be on the Crazy Flamingo team.

Dick DeAnna’s (86) favorite teams are the Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians. For the 2024 season, Dick will be on the American Legion team.

Leon Schmitt (85) used to play basketball, football and baseball in his younger days. He joined the softball league “looking for that great feeling of competition and to make new friends.” For the 2024 season, Leon will be on the Crazy Flamingo Team.

 “Use it or lose it” for these players. The following 80+ “super agers” are listed with their 2024 teams. 

Tom Patterson 85 (Doreen’s), Rich Larkin 89 (Doreen’s), John Gill 84 ( Oyster Society), Mike Puskar 83 (Sand Bar), Jim George 80 (Snook Inn), Dan Dumbauld 80 (Snook Inn), Rich Larkin 89 (Doreen’s), Jerry Kratz 87 (Doreen’s), Joe Barry 80 (Crazy Flamingo), Larry Anspach 82 (American Legion), John Barrett 80 (American Legion), John DeRosa 80 (American Legion), Joe Kruse 81(American Legion), Don Mandetta 80 (Oyster Society), John Gill 84 (Oyster Society), and Al Cenicola 80 (Oyster Society).

Many players deal with life as it comes at them – a struggle with illnesses or a family member dealing with treatments or testing, and it can become all-consuming. There is always a sense that “it could be me” when seeing a fellow player dealing with health problems. And an awareness that this is borrowed time.

During pickup games, the spirit of the senior “softball family” is ever-present. Whether it is a good hit or a weak grounder, he is cheered on by his teammates. Plenty of high fives and “way to go.”  

What does “softball family” mean? It means patience, lots of laughter, helping out, forgiveness, silly banters and camaraderie. The wives also attend their husbands’ games, and during season, they join them for the “after-game” celebration. 

On Saturday, the Marco Island Senior Softball League wore their team jerseys and filled the San Marco Catholic Church to say goodbye to Don O’Connell (72 years old). Don was a family man, a friend to all who met and knew him, an avid softball player and a perfect teammate. Don was a man of great faith. We wish Don’s wife Judy and their family heartfelt condolences.