Sports is a big part of the Panhandle way of life-- from Friday night lights to basketball and baseball, the stadium are packed every game.
But what about team sports after high school and college? Softball is still going strong with leagues in just about every town, but Amarillo is home to a new league in its second year that is unique to its own players.
Seeing a bunch of softballers out on the field is one of the most common sties at any area park, but look a little closer. These guys have one particular thing in common. Age is the only requirement. As in over 50. Which means everyone on the field was at least alive when Kennedy was president.
Started by Dr. Gary Jennings, he was originally from here, moved to Houston which had a big senior league and then moved back, realzing it was needed here too. .
"Everybody's having a good time, it was needed in the community Do it for the exercise, fun social networking."
So last year, they officialy formed the league, the only one of it's kind north of Lubbock. 6 teams, 12 players each with a yearly draft so its new rosters every season...and they expect it to grow.
"Everybody plays...every tuesday nigt, free cheap entertainment.
Jack Tipton, who claims he'll be 61 this week, is a manager player...in on the intial startup. He played ball growing up in Alabama, and still had that competitive drive, but few opportunites. And every game is a good one.
Every game's the best one, win or lose...
And their age just gives them more fodder for smack talk.
End of the double header, the coach is already on third base and sayd Hustle, and I said, I am hustling! I only got one gear."
Oh yeah, that's his wife behind him, who loves to watch these guys play.
The bleachers are full of fans rooting on these guys who speed may be slowed and theri stomachs not as flat, but their competitive spirt still as strong as ever.
"Very appealing here and competitive," according to Jennings.
And while the sun may be setting on the game, it's far from setting on the players... and their love of the game.
