It seems like nothing can stop the 60-, 70-, even 80-year-old athletes from stepping up to the plate at the Rock 'n Reno softball tournament in town.
With all the sights and sounds of your typical little league baseball game, you can't help but notice a silver glow around these players.
“This is just little league with gray hair,” said Dave Dowell, National Director of Senior Softball USA.
Sure, they have some gray, but these 70 plus year olds are proving to be quick, nimble and overall incredible athletes.
“They are fit because they play and they play because they're fit.”
Over 200 teams from around the country are in town with age groups ranging from 40 years old to over 80. Ed Grover from Portland is in the 80-plus league.
“We're just a bunch of old men reliving our youth basically,” said Grover.
Reliving their youth, they are, but not without their biggest fans. Iniece Grover is Ed's wife and watches everywhere he plays.
Before we started our interview with Ed, Iniece politely interrupted.
“I'm sorry but put this on your ankle. He got hit,” said Iniece very concerned about her husband. Ed quickly replied, “I'm alright!”
He is proof that it's a state of mind that keeps him stepping up to the plate.
“We're sore, we're stiff, we got ‘owies’ here and there, but we still go out and play.”
“Everyone is wearing braces and all have health issues but they are out there enjoying life,” observes Iniece.
Showing all of us, age is just a number.
“It's more fun playing than just sitting on the bench,” said Ed with a laugh.
The Rock 'n Reno tournament is one of 20 tournaments nationwide and continues at Shadow Mountain, Golden Eagle, and Rancho San Rafael softball fields until June 4th.
