Newly formed senior baseball league in Taos has first practice
Additional players welcome
The noncompetitive baseball league of seniors 55 and over had their first practice June 16 at Taos High School baseball field. Twelve seniors attended the founding ceremony at which everyone introduced themselves and discussed their injuries and limitations.
The founding members also agreed on some rules; for example, “You get to call your own balls and strikes” and “running is entirely optional,” reported Mark Pritchard.
For the catcher to call the game instead of an umpire is unusual outside of sandlot ball, and for the batter to do so is unheard of. Nevertheless, in the spirit of playfulness and in the hopes of encouraging friendly heckling, that is exactly what the founders agreed to do.
This playing by whatever rules they wish really does harken back to childhood. The Taos Senior Baseball League continues that spirit, driven by a love of the game and the camaraderie it fosters.
Rather than have captains choose teams one player at a time, players will go and stand in the position they wish to play and be divided into teams from there.
Replacement parts in hips and knees and chronically achy shoulders are not obstacles to getting involved. No glove? No problem. Just show up and borrow one.
The weekly practices are held at the Taos High School field on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. and will become a pick-up game as soon as the league grows large enough.
Anyone interested in participating is welcome to contact Pritchard or to simply show up to the field on a Tuesday and check it out.
“Come out and play some baseball with kids your own age,” Pritchard said.
“The goal is to avoid further injury and have some fun.”
There is no charge to participate and still space for 18 additional members. Once the league has 30 players, they will form a waiting list.
Mark Pritchard can be reached at mp@taosnet.com.