Ex-pros, seniors make pitch for softball season

Larry Griffin, who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, takes a swing at a softball during a Professional vs Seniors softball game at Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium for the opening event of the Senior Games. Photo submitted by Julie Koontz.

Paul Mehned pitched for the senior team during a Professional vs Seniors softball game at Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium for the opening event of the Senior Games. Photo submitted by Julie Koontz.

Beth Calhoun fields the ball for the senior team during a Professional vs Seniors softball game at Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium for the opening event of the Senior Games. Photo submitted by Julie Koontz.

Ron Haigler pitched for the Professional teamduring a Professional vs Seniors softball game at Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium for the opening event of the Senior Games. Photo submitted by Julie Koontz.

Carlos Poteat , on the seniors team, takes a swing at a softball during a Professional vs Seniors softball game at Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium for the opening event of the Senior Games. Photo submitted by Julie Koontz.

KANNAPOLIS — Members of the Salisbury/Rowan Senior Games' softball teams faced tough competition Saturday as they squared off against a celebrity team of retired professional athletes at Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium.

Among the 11 former professionals were retired NFL players Tory Woodbury of the New York Jets, Larry Griffin of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Reggie Shuford of the Carolina Panthers and Thabiti Davis of the New York Giants. Don Haglar, a retired Major Leaguer for the Minnesota Twins, also played.

Laughter and good-natured ribbing between players spilled from the dugouts throughout the Celebrity Kickoff game for this year's Salisbury/Rowan Senior Games' softball season. Spectators cheered and whistled as they enjoyed a one-of-a-kind experience for Salisbury/Rowan Senior Games players.

After seven innings, the celebrity team won 34-6, but the 56 Senior Games players also felt like winners, having had the chance to play with the retired professionals.

Angela D. Lee, therapeutic recreation specialist for Rowan County Parks and Recreation, said sportsmanship, fortitude and perseverance were on display as this group of "young and young-at-heart athletes" shared in the great American pastime.

When the game was over, the retired professionals and seniors got together to congratulate each other, sign autographs and pose for photographs. A raffle was also held for seven autographed NFL footballs, with proceeds going to the Salisbury/Rowan Senior Games.

"Thank you to all who participated and everyone who made this such a success," Lee said. "I look forward to next year."

Starting a senior softball team was the vision of 87-year-old Duard Cress, a Senior Games participant and a pitcher in the Celebrity Kickoff game. His vision of one team has now expanded to include four men's teams and one women's team.

Phyllis Loflin-Kluttz is the coordinator of the Rowan County Senior Games and SilverArts competition.