IN Sewickley Summer 2024 | Page 15

A wise sage once said , “ We do not stop playing because we grow old . We grow old because we stop playing .” And the men of the Northern Allegheny County Softball League ( NACSSL ) would probably agree . The players range in age from 50 to 80 +.

This year marks the 37th season for the league , which is a way for mature ballplayers to enjoy competitive softball and offers 16 teams . Eight teams are made up of players ages 50 and older , and eight teams have those who are age 62 and older .
The teams play 28 regular season games beginning in April , with playoffs concluding in late August . Most of the players reside in Allegheny County , but some come from Armstrong , Beaver , Butler , Washington and Westmoreland counties to participate in what is considered the premier senior softball league in western PA .
Most of the teams are sponsored by private businesses , which provides for uniform jerseys and hats for players . All teams are in the Pittsburgh area . Team members carry over from year to year , and the league uses a draft system to complete teams in need of players . Team selections are made by the end of March .
If you enjoy watching competitive softball , most of the games are at Lambert and Mashuda softball fields , which are part of the Senior Citizen Ballfield facility at the North Park Lodge . Though the players are there for fun , they also love to win !
There are many reasons players enjoy senior league softball . It ’ s a great way to stay in shape , get out and get some sunshine , enjoy the thrill of competition , meet new people , and experience the camaraderie of team play . But mostly it ’ s just fun ! To learn more about the Northern Allegheny County Senior
Softball League , visit nacssl . com . n
The NACSSL complies with the official rules of USA Softball , the national governing organization . USAS rules combined with leaguespecific rules emphasize player safety and fair play .
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