We are looking for some people to "step up" and coach or manage teams. Please let us know right away if you are willing to take on this responsibility - hey, at least you'll know you're likely to be in the starting line-up! Also, start-up costs for an endeavor like this are high. If you know of an individual or company who might be willing to sponsor a team, please instruct him/her to reach out to me at 978-686-8679 or get the phone number or other info for me to follow up with them. Do this ASAP as we have to order uniforms and equipment soon.

The ageless Harold "Curly" Bernard pitches, hits, and runs better than guys half his age.

Can you help us secure funding for our programs?

Do you or anyone you know have any experience with marketing, fundraising, grant writing etc.? We currently hold Texas Hold 'Em Poker tourneys as fund-raisers and are always in need of experienced dealers - contact 978-686-8679 if you can help.

Chet Richardson, fresh off a thirty game softball schedule in Florida, shows of his sweet lefty swing.

Take Rte. 93 to Exit 46. If you are coming from the South, go right off the exit and stay right when the road forks. From the North you need to go around the rotary and under Rte. 93, then go right (East on Rte. 110). Either way you will be headed East on Rte. 110. The first stop light you come to is Burnham Rd. Take a right and travel a couple tenths of a mile and look for the diamonds on your right. Diamond #3 is the farthest from the road. Parking is limited - carpooling suggested. Concession stand and bathrooms will be open (he said hopefully). These are the best softball fields in Methuen. The drainage is good and the facility is well maintained by the town and youth softball volunteers. This spring the stone dust infields have been replaced by a clay mixture on two fields and it remains to be seen how this will affect drainage.

Speaking of sweet swings, North Andover's Tom Mitro has it working! {Catcher Don Smith showing cat-like reflexes behind the dish.}

Senior Softball Rules (The Reader's Digest Version)

Senior Softball has a few modifications for us "old bucks". Here are the main ones: You can overrun second and third bases just like you can overrun first. If you beat the ball you are safe. This eliminates (for most of us) the need to slide. There are two home plates - the second is set back diagonally eight feet toward the third base bench. The runner from third must step on that plate and the catcher must use the original home plate. All plays at home are force outs. In addition, there is a hash marker 20 feet down the third base line. If a runner crosses that marker s/he is committed and it is a force play at home. If the runner stops before crossing the line, s/he may return to third. This eliminates intentional and accidental collisions at home plate between runners and defensive players.

Burnham Road Diamond #3. Note the "hash marker" (white line) painted twenty feet down the third base line. If you pass this line you are committed to run home and it is a force play at the plate. Note too the broken line directing the runner away from the traditional baseline and toward the second home plate.

Of course we have women players! Karen Richardson looks like she'll be one of the best athletes in the league.

Hypnotist/entertainer Jerry Valley gets hitters out via "thought projection" and a blazing fastball. Check his website out at www.valleyhypnosis.com.

Jeff Philcrantz of Newbury is a silky smooth shortstop with pretty good "pop" in his bat.

West Boxford's Steve Suleski can hit and run 'em down in the outfield - a welcome addition to any team's line-up.