By Tamas Mondovics

Brandon's L C. Handly Field has offered its green to both young and old to enjoy a variety of sporting events over the years and for the last five years, every Tuesday and Thursday morning the park is occupied by an interesting group.

Lou McKenna is one of the original members of the association who, now with the help of some of the other members, organizes the games.

"We have now about 90 people- mostly guys-who regularly come out to play ball from all over the county," says McKenna.

The six teams that play nine inning games as they rotate to compete against each other appear to have a lot of fun on and off the diamond. There is no fooling around once the game begins. 

Perhaps the most popular and most respected member of the club is 86-year-old first baseman Joe Paleveda of Tampa. As one of the original members who has helped organize the association five years ago,  Paleveda continues to encourage and set the example to others to keep playing and to not worry about some of the minor aches and pains. He himself plays all nine innings week after week.

"My kids gave me a new glove for my 85th birthday that came with a 10 year warranty," says Paleveda with a smile. "Can you imagine an 85 year old guy breaking in a new glove?"  

This devoted player however is not without support himself as his wife regularly comes to all the games with him and speaks highly of her husband's leadership role.

"I am proud of my husband," states Martha Paleveda, who also shares the secret of her husband’s success on the softball field. "I make him eat his veggies, and tell him to go out there and play."

The Palevedas have nine children, 22 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren and have no plans to quit supporting the softball games anytime soon.

While the field is provided by the Hillsborough County Parks and Recreations Department, everything else is arranged through the board of governors of the Senior Softball Association. They design all the rules, provide their own umpires, own bats, balls and gloves, along with all the uniforms.

There are no rules about watching these seniors play their game. Everyone is welcome to see what these men and women are able to do while they enjoy a healthy workout doing what they love to do.

Members of The Brandon Senior Softball Association are currently and continuously looking for and welcome new members. Men 60 years and older and women 55 and older are needed to continue the tradition of playing serious but non-competitive softball starting at 9 a.m. in the morning twice a week.