KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — On any given Tuesday or Thursday during the warmer months, dozens of East Tennessee seniors descend on Caswell Park to compete in friendly softball matchups.
They're part of the Knoxville Senior Co-Ed Softball League, and they suit up in colorful t-shirts to play for teams, including the Young at Heart and Mean Greenies.
"It's very competitive," said Pat Walker, who's been playing since little league. "They say it's all for fun, but we're all competitive. It wouldn't be no fun if you wasn't competitive. They say don't keep score, but we do."
Walker said he'll play in whatever position he's needed, as will Mary Evars-Goan. But she's been spending most of her time on the pitcher's mound. The retired attorney has been playing in the league for around 3 years and has no trouble staying busy.
"I play pickleball three days a week, and I play softball two days a week, and I sit on the porch and drink coffee with my husband in the morning, so I'm very occupied," she said.
While most of the seniors battle it out on the diamond, at least one senior makes herself at home on the bleachers for the games.
"I'm the unofficial cheerleader and the only official season ticket holder," Linda Hickman said.
Hickman watches the game to cheer on her friend but has become a familiar fixture on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
"Well, I’m retired, and it gives me the motivation to get up and do something in the morning," she said.
While the seniors say they are competitive, the rules are relaxed.
"We don't want nobody getting hurt here," Walker said. "You can't tag out a runner, you can't block the bases. There's no outs. Everybody bats. We're just here to have a good time."
The seniors say they are always looking for more recruits. Women need to be 50 or older, and men should be 60 and older.