The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net IT was another Senior Moment for the Masters Softball League. The island's premier league for the elder statesmen of the game hosted the visiting Senior Moments softball team, comprising of players from 14 states in the United States, to a series of games yesterday at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex. While it didn't matter what the final scores, both the local and foreign players and spectators alike were just delighted to be participating in the friendly games. Newly-elected MSL president Lawrence 'Buddy' Smith said from the time the Senior Maters have taken the time off from their annual cruise to the Bahamas seven years ago, they have seen a growth in the showdown. "This year, I think we've done a better job because we had a better organised committee," Smith lamented. "I think next year and the years to come, it will get even better. "We hope to get more of our corporate sponsors and the various ministries (Youth, Sports and Culture as well as Tourism) involved next year. Every year, it will only get better." Smith said the MSL intend to precipitate the visit by the Senior Moments by taking a team to the United States to participate in some exhibition games later this year. Anthony "Boots" Weech, the immediate past president of the MSL who made the initial contract with the Senior Moments, said he was glad to see that they can continue to make the visitors feel welcome in the Bahamas. "We are glad that they can say something is happening in the Bahamas and they can come here and be a part of it," Weech stressed. "It's shaping up to being a great experience that we have been able to coordinate between the two of us." Shelby Simmons, who has orchestrated the trip from the United States from its inception, said "each one is better than the other one and this one has been superb. "The hospitality and the people waiting on us has been exciting for us. We just love coming in and participating in these games, especially here in New Providence." The Senior Moments normally head to Grand Bahama to play the day before they arrive here on the Carnival Cruise ship. Simmons noted that while they have an opportunity to play in Grand Bahama, the games here are always a lot better organized and attended. Although they have extended an invitation for the MSL to visit the United States, Simmons said they are looking forward to returning to New Providence. Hopefully when they do come back next year, he projected that they would like to be able to play in the new national softball stadium that is on the drawing board. The Senior Moments comprises of players from 65 years and older who play in senior leagues throughout the United States. Lester Dean, one of the local players participating in the games, said the Bahamas and Senior moments have forged a relationship that he hope will last for a long time. "It's obvious that these guys love the Bahamas," he pointed out. "They're coming back over and over repeatedly and we just love the opportunity to be able to host them." Joe Or, a Senior Moments player from Michigan, is back in the Bahamas for the second consecutive year. He admitted that he couldn't find a better place to be right now. "We look forward to it. Its a lot of fun every time we come here," he insisted. "The competition is good, but I come here to play to win. Meeting new people every time is something that we cherish." And Sue Lyster, one of the many fans who accompanied the players, said she's in town with her husband, Gerald, who was playing on the team. "We've been having a good time. The people are so friendly. We just love it. It's so warm," he pointed out. "A couple years ago, it was freezing, but we enjoyed it anyway. It's just gorgeous. We just love coming down here." As a result of their experience, Senior Moments said they will definitely be back for another series with the Masters Softball League next year, same time.