Reflections on Senior Softball

Last night, during my senior softball game, I encountered an unexpected moment. I was sprinting towards third base, perhaps a bit too eagerly. A guy was trying to catch a ball, and, well, I collided into him.

Thankfully, we both walked away unscathed, but I felt a bit appalled. An awkward moment, for sure. I quickly apologized—it felt like a breach of decorum.

Before I knew it, everything turned upside down, and I found myself sitting on the grass, my glasses nowhere to be found.

This is the essence of senior softball. Everyone on the field is, well, a senior. A bit more fragile. So, collisions? Definitely not ideal.

One of the primary goals for senior players is to avoid injury at all costs.

But collisions still happen, and it’s unsettling.

Winter Practice

Flashback to last winter during a practice game—another bump happened. I might have been the cause, or maybe not.

It was during a play involving a first baseman from the opposing team. An opposing player hit a grounder, and my teammate threw it to me, but the throw went a bit off to my left. While I stretched to catch it, I ended up getting hit by the batter.

I ended up on the ground, but honestly, I don’t recall what happened next to him. Maybe he fell as well? Thankfully, neither of us sustained injuries.

Still, in senior softball, when a player hits the dirt, everyone gets tense. The game pauses. Those in the dugout stop their chatter about vacations to check what’s gone down. Players rush over to see if the fallen player is alright.

Even once it’s clear that no one’s hurt, folks often linger to discuss the incident. What led to this mishap? What were the angles and speeds involved? Who was supposed to be where? Was someone to blame?

The Conclusion

Generally, in senior softball, players look out for each other. Unless the evidence states otherwise, it’s assumed no one is at fault. It’s a fluid game; things just happen.

That said, there has been some back-and-forth on certain plays. Eventually, an experienced player—one of those veterans of the senior softball scene—declared, “That was a misdirect.”

Everyone nodded. I did too. It was clear that it was a “wrong throw.”

But was it really a mistake to attempt to snag that off-target throw? And isn’t it routine to run into the batter while on base sometimes? I can’t say for sure. But I made a mental note to exercise more caution for next time.

My Toughest Collision

The most jarring collision I’ve experienced was right at the start of my first season in senior softball.

This was in a recreational league—a beginner’s level for senior softball. You know, the crowd’s usually older, often not as mobile. The last people you want to bump into.

I had just stepped into senior softball. It had been ages since I played organized baseball or softball—probably since fourth grade.

During that inaugural match, as an unknown, I was stationed in right field. Could I catch? Could I throw? Honestly, no one had a clue, not even me.

The Climactic Moment

I found myself in right field, and after several innings, a high fly ball came my way. At first, it seemed destined to drop. But I thought, maybe if I sprinted, I could catch it.

I was eager to show my new team what I could do. I seriously wanted to see if I had any skill in softball. It was a bit of a mystery to me.

Believing I could snag that ball, I dashed forward, eyes locked on that bright yellow softball tumbling down from the sky.

Then—bam! Suddenly, the world spun, and I was sitting on the grass, glasses absent.

A Collision to Remember

I smashed into the second baseman, going full speed ahead. I was giving it my all, and there I was, colliding with a teammate.

Fortunately, he was a solid 6 feet and weighed 200 pounds, while I stand at 5 feet 8 inches and weigh 160 pounds.

I stood up and assessed myself. Was I hurt? Thankfully, no. I began searching the grass for my glasses.

But then I noticed the second baseman. He looked downcast. I got up and rushed to him with a few other guys.

What if he’s hurt? I panicked internally.

Others gathered around him. They helped him sit up, looking concerned as he held his side. Our coach asked what had transpired. I admitted it was my fault for not calling out.

They helped him stand up, and luckily, he was alright. Probably just an unexpected shock for both of us. For me, it felt like a surprise car crash. I experienced this dizzying out-of-body sensation before everything just froze.

Driving home after that game, thoughts raced about whether my new team would trust me again. Before that moment, I hadn’t truly considered the risks of injury—either for myself or others.

Now, I understand I committed a major faux pas in senior softball.

Rebuilding Confidence

Initially, my teammates viewed me with caution. No one said anything outright, but the air was thick with unspoken doubt.

From then on, I became committed to a principle: Never bump into anyone, no matter the scenario.

Moreover, I took on the role of being the one to call plays. It’s common for players to declare, “I’ve got it,” but most of the time, no one follows through.

But when it became evident I was near the ball for the rest of that season, I didn’t hesitate. I called it out—loudly. Players in neighboring fields could hear my shouts.

Most of the time, I managed to catch the ball without collisions. By the end of the season, I had regained my standing among my teammates.

Yet, meeting a guy again last night? Oh, that stings a bit, being in my fourth season now. I definitely need to stay on guard.

Which is why I’m sharing this now—to remind myself, out loud, in writing. What’s the cardinal rule in softball? Avoid hitting your fellow seniors!