It might have looked like a regular Tuesday night at Bayland Park, but the action on the softball field told a different story. There were no roaring crowds or flashing lights, but the emotion was palpable. What began as a lopsided 3-10 game turned into a nerve-wracking comeback, ending in a dramatic 12-11 victory for the visiting team.

This is not the players’ first rodeo: All of them are age 50 or older. And while everyone is having fun, it’s also a serious competition.

Both teams are members of the Harris County Senior Softball League (HCSSL), established in 1981.What began with just one field and four teams has grown into a thriving community of nearly 350 players, competing year-round on two fields at Precinct 4’s Bayland Park. The league plays four nights a week, Monday through Thursday.

“We got older, tired of playing with the younger guys, and decided to play with guys our own age,” said longtime member Bill Hall. More than 30 years later, Bill is still playing four nights a week.

According to Bill, the League is built on three pillars: fun, fitness, and fellowship.

“We’ve got doctors, CPAs, lawyers, roofers, and every kind of contractor you can think of,” Bill said. “We kid each other a lot. We mostly laugh at each other and enjoy each other.”

No Team? No Problem

Unlike many leagues, HCSSL doesn’t allow pre-formed teams. Players sign up individually and are placed on teams through a draft system that prioritizes skill level over age or gender.

“We have tryouts only because we want to make sure players are grouped with others at a similar skill level,” Bill explained. “We don’t want someone who’s just starting out to have to play with top-tier players and risk getting hurt or not enjoying the game.”

In 2012, the HCSSL was joined by a truly top-tier player — Cy Young Award winner and former Houston Astro, Roger Clemens. The Hall of Famer pitched just one game, but his appearance is still talked about today. And while HCSSL members aren’t professionals, they still get a chance to move around from team to team each season like the pros.

“Some of this year’s opponents become next year’s teammates,” Bill said. “It keeps the league balanced and helps everyone make new friends.”

Eligibility starts at age 49½, and the oldest current players are in their 90s.

“You just have to be able to stand upright,” Bill joked.

“Breathing helps, too,” added Carl Torregrossa, another longtime player. “We all hurt. So, whether I hurt on the couch or out here, I’d rather be out here.”

With players ranging in age and ability, safety is a top priority. HCSSL is affiliated with Senior Softball USA (SSUSA) and follows its rules, with a few modifications to reduce injury risk and maximize playing time, such as the use of protective nets in front of the pitcher and low-compression balls. Every player is trained in CPR and how to use a defibrillator; the league owns and maintains these devices at both fields.

 The Future of Bayland’s Sports Fields

There’s no end in sight for the HCSSL, but change is coming — at least for the fields the teams play on every week. Precinct 4 recently unveiled the Bayland Park Master Plan, which includes new field lights, new score boxes with an elevated open structure, and better lighting in the parking lots for added safety.

Once construction begins on the park, it won’t be only Harris County players who get to enjoy the upgrades. At the end of each season, HCSSL teams sometimes face off against teams from neighboring counties like Fort Bend or Montgomery. But win or lose, the real reward is the camaraderie.

“It’s not just about softball,” Bill said. “It’s about staying active, staying connected, and having a good time.”

For more information or to register, visit HCSSL.org or contact the league president at [email protected]. For more information on Bayland Park, visit hcp4.harriscountytx.gov.