At 85 years old, Dave Scheele still can’t get enough of softball. As a member of Northern Virginia Senior Softball since 1985, Scheele, publicity chair of NVSS, remains an avid player, mentor and leader, one that hopes to inspire other seniors in the area to get up, get out of the house and get onto the field.
“After retiring, it is hard to keep ‘office friends’ and to make new friends,” Scheele says. “If you played softball or baseball as a kid, you remember what it was like. NVSS becomes the venue because we are still just kids in older guys’ bodies.”
Founded in 1980 by a group of friends in their 50s, NVSS was a way to continue doing what they loved—playing ball.
“[It was formed] by couples who remembered what it was like to play softball, who formed two teams and reached out to many others who wanted to play slow-pitch senior softball; slow-pitch so that it would be ‘easy’ to hit, because the ball has to be pitched in a 6 to 12-foot arc and hit the plate/mat to be a strike,” Scheele says.
The organization quickly grew and was recognized by Fairfax County in 1985. It also became large enough for the IRS to recognize it as a 501(c)(3) charitable, nonprofit sports and fitness organization.
“Our present size has stabilized at about 550 members, active and associate, formed into 27 teams in three skill-conferences—National, American and Continental, regardless of qualifying age,” Scheele says.
During the summer and fall seasons, NVSS offers two seven-inning games on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. In the offseason, there are conditioning programs as well as additional social opportunities.
The fast-growing numbers of the organization are indicative of the benefits that come with participation.
“A wonderful by-product of playing slow-pitch senior softball for years is that with all the exercise, constant thinking and social aspects of each game, we are realizing that our players are not getting Alzheimer’s disease,” Scheele says.
With benefits that span across both social and fitness aspects of life, NVSS stands out as being something that seniors can belong to and feel good about.
“The goal is to get these guys off the street, out of their homes and onto the field,” Scheele says.
Regarding the future of the organization, Scheele hopes that NVSS can continue to provide opportunities for seniors in the area. After all, he’s been going strong for over 30 years now and shows no signs of stopping.
“When everyone comes together for a common interest, which is playing ball, there’s so much that can be accomplished—regardless of our age,” he says.
For more information on NVSS or how to get involved, visit their website or Facebook page.
