Minding Your Business- Cape Cod Senior Softball League

It’s springtime on Cape Cod and that can only mean one thing: let’s play ball! In its 38th season, the Cape Cod Senior Softball League is off to an incredible start according to JoJo Schaefer who heads up recruitment and awareness for the organization. Her goal is to “share the joy” of the league with as many people as she can, which has around 400 players this season. 

Schaefer credits her participation in the league for helping her make so many new friendships in the area, especially since there is a great social component to playing. “It’s all about fun, friendship, and camaraderie,” she says. “I still dive! It is so fun!”  Schaefer says there are even two 90-year-old players this season, which is truly a testament to how special this league is. 

Schaefer notes that one of the biggest challenges is recruiting more women to play. “Most women at this age just stop playing. I was guilty of it and hadn't played for decades,” she said. And then she found herself fitting right in and loving the experience. “It’s the friendships that make it special,” Schaefer says. “My bucket is full to be around such wonderful people.”

The CCSSL is open to all male players over 50 years old, and women over 40. Schaefer says new player evaluations are happening now and that will determine the best division a player should be placed in. There are five divisions, D1- D5, in the league depending on a player’s skill and ability to play during a given time slot. D1 mainly consists of younger folks who may still be working. D3 and D 4 include mostly retirees. D5 is a newer group of co-ed players which is mainly a mix of husbands and wives with more of a social component. There are pinch runners if you can’t run, and underhand pitching if needed, which really helps the game for all levels of play. 

The cost to participate is $80 for the co-ed group and $160 - $190 for the other divisions, with most of the funds going toward uniforms, umpires and field upkeep. The league is all volunteer-run and the regular season includes 24 games plus post-season playoffs. Fall Ball costs $30 and includes a mix of the D1 - D4 level players. Those who want to participate in the magic can also volunteer to manage a team or keep score. 

“You see the metamorphosis with an 85-year-old rounding third to come home and you can see that seven-year-old boy in him from little league,” Schaefer says. “They are thrilled to be able to continue doing something they’ve loved their whole life.”