• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About Us
  • Videos
    • Featured Video
    • Foodie Friday
    • Monthly ReCap
  • Online E-Editions
    • This Week’s E-Editions
    • 2023
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
  • Social Media
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
  • Advertising
  • Local Jobs
  • Puzzles & Games
  • Circulation Request

The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

  • Home
  • News
    • Land O’ Lakes
    • Lutz
    • Wesley Chapel/New Tampa
    • Zephyrhills/East Pasco
    • Business Digest
    • Senior Parks
    • Nature Notes
    • Featured Stories
    • Photos of the Week
    • Reasons To Smile
  • Sports
    • Land O’ Lakes
    • Lutz
    • Wesley Chapel/New Tampa
    • Zephyrhills and East Pasco
    • Check This Out
  • Education
  • Pets/Wildlife
  • Health
    • Health Events
    • Health News
  • What’s Happening
  • Sponsored Content
    • Closer Look
  • Homes
  • Obits
  • Public Notices
    • Browse Notices
    • Place Notices

Senior softballers in a league of their own

September 6, 2022 By Mike Camunas

When the league formed a decade ago, 10 players showed up.

“We just played rag-tag ball, a little scrimmaging,” said Lutz resident Charlie Bell, one of the 10 original players in the North Tampa Senior Softball League (NTBSS).

“Before long, we grew to 20 (players), then had two teams. By the end of that first year, we had 40 players.

John Smith connects for a hit while Walt Bruschi looks on during batting practice of the North Tampa Bay Senior Softball League. The league is celebrating its 10th anniversary, with games played on Fridays at Heritage Park in Land O’ Lakes. The league has seven teams and more than 100 participants, including players, umpires and scorekeepers. (Mike Camunas)

“Everyone knew someone who wanted to play.”

Now, as the NTBSS kicks off its 10-year-anniversary season on Sept. 9, there are more than 100 people involved, including players, umpires and scorekeepers. Seven teams will play through the playoffs and a championship in May.

“It was an adventure (10 years ago) because many of us were coming back to the game we hadn’t played in many, many years,” said Lutz resident Fred Eckstein, another one of the original 10.

“We blew up back then and even sometimes now, where we get a new influx of players. But the play is good, the camaraderie is good — it’s a real diverse group, too, given everyone’s backgrounds and where they are from, originally.

A dozen or so of the 100 players of the North Tampa Bay Senior Softball League await selection for their practice lineup at Heritage Park in Land O’ Lakes.

“It’s really just fun to hang out with all (the players).”

The league’s formation is credited to Walt Bockmiller, who is remembered fondly by original members, as well as honored on league shirts.

Bockmiller died in 2018, after years of running the league and being very active in the Land O’ Lakes and Lutz communities.

It was this publication in which he ran the ad that produced the original 10 players.

“They come and get a smile,” Bockmiller told The Laker/Lutz News in 2016. “They make errors, they hit and they have excitement. They do good, they do bad, but they all have fun.”

Current league commissioner Walt Bruschi didn’t know Bockmiller, but says his competitive spirit and love for the game is still apparent on the field at Heritage Park.

David Meadows, of San Antonio, fields a play at second and looks to make a throw to first during North Tampa Bay Senior Softball League practice.

“I didn’t know him, but from everything they told me about Walt, he loved the game,” Bruschi said. “One thing they don’t say about him, but which you can see here on the field even to this day, is that between the (base) lines, Walt was so competitive.”

Bell added: “It’s really all about what’s in the logo, which my son-in-law helped design. ‘Friendship. Fun. Fitness. Sportsmanship.’ This is what it was set up for and, before you knew it, it just became a whole community.”

This community forged friendships beyond the diamond. Players would, and still do, get together to do other activities, such as fishing, bowling or golf.

As competitive as the league can be, the play has been finely tuned so games are enjoyable. The league has a board that has worked hard to come up with rules and bylaws, which are mandated to keep the game fair and fun.

As John Espsito, of New Tampa, waits on deck, he tries to keep his head cool, while practicing with the North Tampa Bay Senior Softball League.

For example, players 75 and over can’t be thrown out at first base if they put a hit into the outfield, while courtesy runners are available for any players who struggle with baserunning.

“With some of these guys,” Bruschi said, “the mind will tell you that you can still do it, but the body might say, ‘No, you can’t.’ But we stick with it. Everyone out here is supporting and not getting down on someone just because they struggle.”

Also, Bruschi said, like a community, players’ support even extends to new players that show up and might not know anyone.

“I didn’t know anyone, but they said they’d put me on a team and then everyone hovered around me,” Bruschi said. “They asked, ‘Do you need a bat? Do you need a glove?’ Here’s one. I’ve got you covered.’ Everyone is so supportive, everyone supports the new guys. Always have and always will.”

The league holds a draft, that way no “super team” can be formed and dominate play. The league also accepts players throughout the season, and it is looking for more women to join.

For now, and this season, the league, and its players, looks to keep the competitiveness tradition alive, in a way to make Bockmiller proud.

“Everyone in this league is a class guy,” Bruschi said. “They’re dentists, doctors, lawyers, firemen — but you never know it. Because the guys out here are just the most unassuming, most humble guys ever. They’re out here just to have fun, not to bring their egos on the field.

“It’s a blessing, every day, that we’re out here — a blessing.”

North Tampa Bay Senior Softball
When:
Games are played Friday mornings through May; practices are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings.
Where: Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
Cost: $40 for the season
Details: The league is open to women over 50 and men over 60. The league has its own rules and adheres to the Senior Softball-USA (SSUSA) national rules of play.
Sponsors: ARC Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, AMI Recycling, Payne Environmental, Culinary Packaging, Limberg Ministries, HOJO Softball Inc., RIPA and Associates, Humana.
Interested players should contact Walt Bruschi at 330-701-0646 or , or Denny Kato at 727-215-5345 or . Info: NTBSS.net

Published September 07, 2022

North Tampa Bay Senior Softball League Commissioner Walt Bruschi is somewhat animated, as he chooses players for either hitting or fielding during a practice at Heritage Park in Land O’ Lakes.
Roger Smith, of Land O’ Lakes, connects with a pitch during batting practice with the North Tampa Bay Senior Softball League at Heritage Park in Land O’ Lakes.
Gil Morales, of Land O’ Lakes, starts a double play during a North Tampa Bay Senior Softball League practice at Heritage Park in Land O’ Lakes.
Joe DePompa, of Trinity, connects with a pitch as part of hitting practice of the North Tampa Bay Senior Softball League.

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • Share on Tumblr
  • Email
  • Print

Like this:

Like Loading...

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Primary Sidebar

Search

Sponsored Content

6 Reasons to Consider Remodeling your Bathroom with CMK Construction

March 21, 2023 By Kelli Carmack

Have you wanted to remodel your bathroom for a while now, but need that little extra push to make your decision? Check … [Read More...] about 6 Reasons to Consider Remodeling your Bathroom with CMK Construction

Avalon Applauds African American Club of Pasco

March 7, 2023 By Kelli Carmack

One of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s main missions is being a champion for culture. “Celebrating culture is a vital … [Read More...] about Avalon Applauds African American Club of Pasco

More Posts from this Category

What’s Happening

03/23/2023 – Betmar Chorus

The Betmar Chorus will perform its annual Spring Concert on March 22 at 2 p.m., and on March 23 and March 24 at 7 p.m., at Betmar Acres, 37145 Lakewood Drive, Clubhouse 2, in Zephyrhills. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. The choir will perform a variety of show tunes, hymns, spirituals and classics. Tickets will be available at the door for $5. For information, all 810-837-0520. … [Read More...] about 03/23/2023 – Betmar Chorus

03/23/2023 – Free Food Distribution

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office, Farm Share, Veteran’s Memorial Park, the Gentlemen’s Course, Samaritan Corporation of Pasco County Inc., and the Pasco County NAACP will team up for a free community food distribution on March 23 at Veterans Memorial Park, 14333 Hicks Road in Hudson. The food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis from 9 a.m., until the items run out. … [Read More...] about 03/23/2023 – Free Food Distribution

03/23/2023 – Paint with Puppies

B Creative Painting Studio, 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 103, in Wesley Chapel will host “Paint with Puppies” on March 23 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., in support of the Mercy Full Project. Guests can get creative and cuddle with puppies. Only 50 spots available. An RSVP and $5 deposit is required online at tinyurl.com/PaintWithPuppy. Balance will be due at the event. The total cost of $50 includes a dog bowl, paint, glaze and fire of the bowl. … [Read More...] about 03/23/2023 – Paint with Puppies

03/23/2023 – Puzzle Club

The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will host a Puzzle Club on March 23 at 4:45 p.m., for ages 18 and older. Bring some friends. Puzzles will be provided. For information, call 813-929-1214. … [Read More...] about 03/23/2023 – Puzzle Club

03/25/2023 – America is Awesome

Lucas, Macysyzn & Dyer, Injury Lawyers and the Lucas, Macyszyn & Dyer Community Foundation will host an “America is Awesome Celebration” on March 25 from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 9426 Little Road in New Port Richey. The event will include live music from 5 Shades of Grey and Southbound 75; fireworks; a DJ dance party, silent auction; raffles; 50/50; car show, food and drink; and more. All proceeds will benefit K9 for Partners and local law enforcement. General admission is free. VIP tickets are available. Donations for parking will be accepted. For information, visit America is Awesome Celebration on Facebook. … [Read More...] about 03/25/2023 – America is Awesome

03/25/2023 – Arts Benefit

The Pasco Fine Arts Council will host a Benefit for the Arts & Silent Auction on March 25 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Pasco Arts Gallery, 4145 Fairford Drive in New Port Richey. Wine and heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served. For information, visit PascoArts.org. … [Read More...] about 03/25/2023 – Arts Benefit

More of What's Happening

Archives

 

 

Where to pick up The Laker and Lutz News

Copyright © 2023 Community News Publications Inc.

   
%d bloggers like this: