Above: This pitch is about to be delivered to right field for a single
​Right: I handled this ground ball and retired the runner at first base.
The 2023 edition of the 75+ Rushmore Baseball Team didn't get a championship trophy or even a lot of wins. Late administrative changes to the Sunshine Classic format led to a weakening of the age requirements and the resulting disadvantage to the South Dakota team. With an average age at about 80 the Rushmores were playing some teams of 70 to 75 year olds. That didn't translate into any wins but the team got to play six games in the beautiful Florida sunshine. And, as a side note, the team managed to get two ties!
The last few year it has been traditional for the Rushmores to gather at our place for a pizza night. We sing, "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," to end the evening. This is the 2023 rendition from the ballteam.
Kjerstine revealed that Tyler had given her an engagement ring. Check it out on the left.
Right: Terry and I discuss some defensive strategy during the game.
Right: This at bat resulted in a line drive up the middle for a base hit.
I mostly played second base in this tourney but I did get one pitching stint. Here I am delivering a pitch to a batter on the Toledo Mud Hens team.
Annika announced that she will be playing the role of "Poopsie" in the upcoming production of "The Pajama Game" at the Artistry Theater in Bloomington, Minnesota.
And, on March 26 I got to celebrate another birthday. It takes a lot of help and probably an equal amount of luck to last eighty-four years. I've got the family who provided the help and as far as the luck goes..... Roberta helped me celebrate the event with a beautiful bouquet of colorful flowers.
Kjerstine's Engagement Party
Back: Mgr. John Larson, Harvey Austin, Roy King, Adrian Rosati, Howard Bich, Phil Clement s, Mike Held, Jim Lortz
Front: Quentin Reader, Gary England, Chris Watson, Doug Stormo, Phil Trooien, Terry Milton
Food seems to take front and center importance as we celebrate birthdays at this age. But, I also got to exercise some and do some running, and Inger and I tested out the Colonial golf course. Fred and Annika also got in on some of the festivities.
Above: Manager Larson and catcher Milton and I confer at the mound. I'm not sure if the strategy worked or not.
S P R I N G 2 0 2 3
A N D
Birthday Boy!
Cousins
Since Roberta and I missed the available slots to get photographed for our church directory, we did our own photo shoot. So, hopefully they will include us with this picture.
In a rarity: Catcher Terry Milton and I both graduated from a small South Dakota town named Astoria. And, we found ourselves as battery mates in this Sunshine Classic. So, I am anxious to see when this bit of trivia goes viral!!!!!
Annika in Pajama Game
Both of our granddaughters had breaking and very exciting news this past week: STAY TUNED!
South Dakota Rushmores
compete in
The Roy Hobbs
Sunshine Classic
WELCOME
The 75+ South Dakota Rushmores