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Softball pitcher, 96, faces 86-year-old
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[June 01, 2007]
BALDWIN HARBOR, N.Y. (AP) --
Between them, they had more than 150 years of experience. But in the
end, seniority might still have been an advantage when a 93-year-old
pitcher took on an 86-year-old rival in a seniors' softball game.
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The elder pitcher, Mickey Werner, gave up just one run in three
innings, helping his Long Island Senior Softball League team to a
9-6 win Wednesday. Opposing pitcher and relative youngster Paul
Rotter allowed nine runs in six innings. Each faced the other only
once at the plate. Werner drew a walk, and Rotter singled. Pinch
runners replaced both on the base paths.
"Not only do I have fun -- it's good for me," said Rotter, of
Woodmere. A retired special education teacher, he has played ball
since 1936 and said he had no intention of giving up the game
anytime soon.
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Nor does Werner, a retired New York City physical education
teacher who has played since 1927.
"They don't care how old the pitcher is, as long as they get the
bat on the ball," said Werner, of Baldwin. "You're never too old."
The senior league, sponsored by The Bristal Assisted Living
Communities, is made up of players at least 68 years old. Founded
two decades ago, the league counts a record 106 players this year,
said Commissioner Joe Friedman.
[Text copied
from file received from AP
Digital] |
