League News

October 2026- Snowflake games to be played Monday and Wednesday at Wantagh Park-10am weather permitting

                      - Awards Luncheon October 29 11-3 at the Stewart Manor Country Club.

                      - Welcome Stephen Mayer as our new Treasurer

On a personal note, I would like to share a writing by Rod Serling the creator of the Twilight Zone.

Some of you might have already watched the episode called Walking Distance.

It rings true to me, and I'm sure it will to all our NYSSA players.

Successful in most things, but not in the one effort that all men try at some time in their lives - trying to go home again. And also like all men, perhaps there'll be an occasion - maybe a summer night sometime - when he'll look up from what he's doing and listen to the distant music of a calliope, and hear the voices and the laughter of the people and the places of his past. And perhaps across his mind, there'll flit a little errant wish, that a man might not have to become old, never outgrow the parks and the merry-go-rounds of his youth. And he'll smile then, too, because he'll know that it is just an errant wish, some wisp of memory, not too important really, some laughing ghosts that would cross a man's mind.

The calendar reads November 4th, but it feels more like late May. The baseball gods are smiling at us!

We had a fantastic turnout today at Wantagh Park. From great fielding to solid hitting, the action on the field was incredible. More than anything, it's the camaraderie among a great group of guys that makes days like today truly special.

Thank you to everyone who came out to play, keep in shape, and share some laughs!

NYSSA League News Update

Fall Ball Update: Great Times and Great Weather at Wantagh Park

November is officially upon us, and the unseasonably warm weather has brought out a fantastic turnout at Wantagh Park as the fall season continues.

Unlike the high stakes of the regular season, these games are all about staying in shape, enjoying some laughs, and spending quality time on the field.

Bringing together a great group of guys always makes for an incredible time.

Thank you to everyone coming out to play and support—let's keep the momentum going while the weather holds up!

Twice a week across Long Island, the fields light up with a competitive fire that puts players a third of their age to shame. The NYSSA (New York Senior Softball Association) 70-and-over league isn’t just about turning double plays or stretching a single into a double; it’s a masterclass in active aging. Playing grueling doubleheaders twice a week, these athletes are proving that life after 70 belongs on the diamond, not on the couch.

For many seniors, retirement can inadvertently lead to a sedentary lifestyle. It is all too easy to fall into the trap of staying inside, letting the days blur together in front of the television set. But the members of the NYSSA have chosen a radically different path. By showing up to play four games a week, they are actively fighting physical decline and social isolation, choosing instead the dust of the baseline and the roar of their teammates.

Physically, the demands of senior softball are a fountain of youth. Running the bases, tracking fly balls, and swinging for the fences require a mix of cardiovascular endurance, agility, and hand-eye coordination. Engaging in this level of regular, explosive movement twice a week keeps muscles toned, joints limber, and hearts healthy. It is a powerful reminder that we don't stop moving because we grow old; we grow old because we stop moving.

The mental and emotional benefits, however, are where the true magic happens. The camaraderie found in the dugout is irreplaceable. Human beings are wired for connection, and the deep-seated friendships forged through shared victories and tough losses provide a profound sense of belonging. Staying mentally sharp requires strategy, focus, and quick decision-making under pressure. Instead of staring at a screen, these players are solving real-time puzzles on the field, keeping their minds quick, resilient, and engaged.

Ultimately, the NYSSA 70+ league is about dignity, purpose, and joy. It gives players a reason to lace up their cleats, look forward to the upcoming week, and stay deeply connected to a community of peers who refuse to let age define their boundaries. It sure beats watching the tube—because out here on Long Island, the real show is happening on the field.

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COME ON DOWN: THROW IN YOUR GLOVE AND KEEP IN SHAPE!

The Fall Ball season at Wantagh Park is officially in full swing, and the energy has been incredible! The weather has been perfect for autumn mornings, and the turnouts have been outstanding every single week.

There are no formal teams or pressure—just grab your gear and play. It is the perfect opportunity to keep your bat warm, get some fresh air, and stay active. Come down to the turf, throw in your glove, and keep in shape with the best crew in Nassau County!

• When: Every Monday and Wednesday morning

• Duration: Running straight through mid-November as long as Jules is able to extend field permit.

• Time: Game on at 10:00 AM

Thank you to everyone for coming out and making this Fall Ball stretch such a massive success. See you on the field!

🏆 NYSSA Awards Luncheon

• 📅 Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026

• ⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• 📍 Location: Stewart Manor Country Club

• 📮 Address: 51 Salisbury Ave, Stewart Manor, NY 11530

NYSSA League News

The Official Newsletter of the New York Senior Softball Association

October 2026 Edition

🏆 2026 Season Wrap-Up: Another Fantastic Year!

Congratulations to all 180+ competitive players who took the field this year from April through September. From our doubleheaders on the beautiful turf fields at Wantagh Park and Cantiague Park to our end-of-season tournament, the camaraderie and competition were outstanding.

A special thank you to Commissioner Jules Balistreri, our dedicated board, our ASA umpires, and our team managers—Alby Silva, Al Cappelli, Frank Cecere, Jerry Nardone, Jack Birbiglia, Sam Quaglierini, John Macdonald, Gene Hennigan, Mike Scotto, and Bob Joyce—for making this safe and balanced draft-parity season possible!