Summer Softball begins

The new summer softball season starts next week and it's been a year since I had surgery for my last softball injury.  The surgeon told me it would take a year to heal (torn and shredded quad tendons) and he was correct.  I have no problem playing golf or walking, but I still limp a little while jogging.  My days of running are over.  I guess at 66 it's time to realize I have some limitations.  I only plan to sub in the summer so I can evaluate how ready I will be for the fall season beginning in September.

In The Villages there are 6 skill divisions for softball.  I am currently in division 2 and have been since I started.  Division 1 has a lot of 50+ guys and guys that like to travel to out of state tournaments.  They are too competitive for me.  I only play to give me another reason to drink a beer.  So I will start this summer in division 2.  At the end of the summer season, I will either stay in 2 or move to 3.  I have friends in all the divisions, so I don't care which level I play.

On the negative side some of my "friends" are developing a bob injury pool.  They are betting I will be injured prior to the end of the summer season, some within the first month.  I have promised my self to take it easy.  No more running for others or going full speed to catch a fly ball.  Being slower and older and continuing to play, is more important that making a great play and on injured reserved most of the season.

I usually don't practice, but since I've not played for a year, I went to a practice this week.  I didn't wrap up like I would at a game nor did I wear my softball shoes, to make sure I took it easy.  I was satisfied on how well I did at half speed, so when the season starts I'll be ready to sub.

Here's hoping this site will have no more pictures of future softball injuries