The Palm Beach County Senior Stickball League recently celebrated its 20th anniversary with Opening Day festivities at Village Park in Wellington.
The stickball participants feature several residents of active adult communities from Delray Beach, Boynton Beach and Lake Worth. The league, which is open to all ages, encourages younger players to join and carry on the tradition.
“I got a love for these guys and as each year goes by, it means a lot to me,” said Ron Vernon, president of the Palm Beach County Senior Stickball League. “It’s become very important in my life to keep this going. We are always looking for players. We do not have an age limit.”
The majority of participants grew up playing the game they loved in the streets in the five boroughs of New York City.
“It’s our 20th anniversary and it’s even more special,” Vernon said. “We have to give some recognition to the people who came before us. I feel a lot of love for them. I am also lucky to have Eddie Fiorentino and Barry Davis. I couldn’t do this without them and these guys do so much.”
Boynton Beach resident Marty Messinger grew up playing stickball in East Flatbush in Brooklyn. He spoke about the legend of Willie Mays, who he calls the greatest stickball home run hitter. Messinger has a passion for the game and is hoping children and younger adults will get involved.
“It’s such a great game and easy to play,” he said. “It’s so inexpensive and you can just take a bat and ball and play this game in the street.”
Boynton Beach resident Bob Emann said he created great memories during his childhood playing stickball in Brooklyn.
Emann said he rediscovered the game when he joined the JCC Stickball League in Boynton Beach in 2005. He then joined the Palm Beach County Senior Stickball League.
Lew Shapiro, who grew up playing stickball in the Bronx, said he enjoys the opportunity to still play the game.
“I played this when I was 11,” he said. “I still love it. I have now played for 17 years in the league.”
Bruce Blasko, who grew up playing stickball in Brooklyn, said he enjoys being a manager and captain for his team in the league.
“I have been playing here for around 15 years,” he said. “I was introduced to the league by a friend. We have a lot of fun.”
The Opening Day festivities included The Legends receiving the Rick MacInnis Memorial Trophy after winning the championship last season.
Todd Miller, a Wellington Allstate insurance agent, provided support with a donation to the league and threw out the first pitch.
The Palm Beach County Senior Stickball League features weekly league games on Fridays at Village Park, 11700 Pierson Road, in Wellington. The teams will also compete in the playoffs and the championship will take place in April. They also hold an All-Star Game and end-of-season awards ceremony and barbecue. The league also has weekly pick-up games in Palm Beach County and provides an opportunity for beginners to learn the game.
The Palm Beach County Senior Stickball League has continued to receive support from the community. Jarred Smoke, a Boynton Beach Allstate insurance agent, sponsored team jerseys.
For information and to participate in pick-up games or join the league, call Marty Messinger at 949-500-2791.