Creaking to first
Baseball for seniors in Taos
For many baseball fans, the game is simply a beloved tradition, or a way to relax on the couch, or a way to bond with family. But rarely is it something that the baseball fan actually does. And by the time the fan realizes they would love to play, it seems like it is too late. Their back is aching, their knees are shot, their coordination just isn’t what it used to be.
Luckily, there is the Taos Senior Baseball League. Haven’t played in 40 years ... or ever? Perfect. That is exactly the talent level members Norm Cutliff and Mark Pritchard are looking for.
COVID hit the Taos senior community hard. One of the things that it took was the Senior League, but now it is back. The league announced in early May that it would be returning for a 2021 summer season. The only problem is they need players to fill out their rosters. Cutliff and Pritchard hope to form four teams (two for the younger league and two for the non-competitive senior league) and play throughout the summer months.
“This may be your last chance to play semi-real baseball – in a weekly pickup game on a professional field,” Pritchard said. “And it’s free. The idea is to have fun and not hurt yourself. If you can’t run, don’t. If you don’t like the looks of the ball, get out of the way. Play it safe. And of course, your arm is weak. I get it. Disabilities are expected and accommodated. Show up whenever it works. Make up stories about your childhood prowess, or lack thereof.”
Email Norm Cutliff at: mp@ taosnet.com for details.