IN Carlynton-Montour Spring 2018 | Page 17

uring the warmest months of the year, when daylight seems to hang in the sky like golden curtains on the horizon, men who are kids at heart lace up their shoes, grab a bat and head for the dugout. The South Hills Senior Softball League (SHSSL), formed in 1992 by Dick Mummert of Mt. Lebanon, offers men an opportunity to be active and competitive playing softball. “Our league is dedicated to competitive, fair play and good sportsmanship,” says current commissioner Doug Houston. “We all play to win, but winning at all costs is not what this league is about.” The SHSSL age range is 55 and older, with 66 as the average. The oldest member, Paul Tomanio, recently turned 87. “He can still really hit the ball and plays a good defense,” says Houston. “He’s pretty tough out there.” Given the fact there are older members in the league, and some with health issues, SHSSL uses Senior Softball League rules with a few caveats. There are two bases at first and two bases at home plate for safety reasons – to keep the fielders and base runners from running into each other. In addition, outfielders are required to start each play behind a line in the outfield, 140 feet from home plate, to give all hitters a chance to contribute to their team’s effort. T he league also allows courtesy runners for players who have physical limitations. Setting up the teams is another part of the process. There are eight teams with 14 players each. They are created through a draft held in the spring by the managers and commissioner. At the end of each season, the teams are broken up and all players returning to the league for the following season go back into the player pool for the next spring draft. “It’s the best way for us to stay fair and ensure those returning may get on a different team each year,” explains Houston. “We really examine our draft pool and the ability of each of the players so the capabilities of each team are even and equal.” Tryouts for SHSSL take place before the draft in March. The season begins in early April and runs through August or September depending on how many games are rained out. The league plays a 28-game schedule — two games a week, Monday through Friday. “We play with 11 fielders on defense: four outfielders, five infielders, one pitcher and one catcher. And everyone bats,” adds Houston. The fields vary, too. Locations include South Park, Baldwin Borough, Keystone Oaks and Pleasant Hills. “We have a really great time and it’s a great mix of guys who participate in the league,” says Houston. “We have doctors, lawyers, truck drivers, sales and marketing professionals... all types with all different abilities, which make up a terrific league.” Personally, Houston says he’s seen some fantastic plays and players during the games. “Even though I’m the commissioner, I also play and attend other teams’ games. I’ve seen triple plays, great home runs, brothers play against brothers—you name it. And after the games we sometimes meet at a local hangout, have a drink, talk about how we did and what we need to do for the next game. It’s all in good fun and you meet some really terrific people. I know I would have never met a lot of these guys had I It’s all in good fun and you meet some really terrific people. not joined. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.” And of course trying to figure out what each team needs to do to make it to the championship game is always a topic of conversation. “It’s funny what happens sometimes because all teams make it into the playoffs, no matter where they’ve finished in the regular season,” he notes. “We’ve seen the lower-seeded teams become the season champs. It’s just great!” SHSSL is looking for new players for the 2018 season. “Dues are $80 for the season, which gets each player a team shirt and hat with the SHSSL logo. Registration forms are on our website,” explains Houston. “We have guys come from all over the South Hills and from as far away as Connellsville. You just never know who you’re going to end up on a team with and if we get enough new players, we’ll be able to expand our league.” To learn more about the South Hills Senior Softball League and complete registration forms, visit seniorsoftballleague.com. ■ CARLYNTON-MONTOUR ❘ SPRING 2018 15