Sports Witkowski finds friendship in Michiana Senior Softball League

Mark Witkowski is very passionate about softball. He has been playing in softball leagues for nearly 50 years. He retired about six years ago, settling in South Bend with his wife Debbie.

“My wife Debbie and I didn’t have any children. We’re getting ready to celebrate our 45th anniversary this year. Debbie went to nearly every softball game for 40 years. She was a scorekeeper for the team when we were in North Carolina. She has been very supportive,” said Witkowski.

“I’m originally from Tennessee. I went to Notre Dame. I moved to Illinois and then to Florida.

“When I was 45, I got connected to this over 45 tournament in Florida. I realized I was pretty mediocre. There were guys knocking it out of the park, hitting the light posts at 350 feet. We moved to Huntington Beach and San Diego. I played six days a week in San Diego. The leagues were year-around out there and were very well organized.

“In San Diego, we had a tournament team and the guys named the team M.O.F.A.S.B’ers — Mark’s only friends are softballers. It was a pretty high-level team. We competed in the Bob Barlow Memorial Tournament with teams from all over Southern California. Nate Colbert, who used to play for the San Diego Padres and Gene Tenace who played for the Athletics, played on a team in one of the leagues. There were quite a few retired baseball players living in San Diego.

“We moved to North Carolina. I got involved in city league softball. I tried to build a softball complex in Greensboro, but it didn’t work out. We then moved to Iowa and I played in some leagues. I was transferred to Chicago and was back and forth to Moline. I got involved in a senior league again,” he said.

“After retiring and moving to South Bend, I found the Michiana Senior Softball League online and contacted them. I was surprised by how many people played and how the league was so well organized. There are around 140-150 players in the league. They’re all seniors. It’s pretty amazing. These guys are very dedicated to the league.

“The recent home run champion in the Michiana Senior Softball League was 72 years old. There are some really good players.

“Every place I’ve moved, I have met friends though playing softball. I’ve made many relationships all over the country that have lasted many years. The guys don’t take it too seriously. The guys are out there having fun and getting exercise. Guys still like to win, but it’s not quite as important as it was 30-40 years ago.

“This spring will be my fifth season in the Michiana Senior Softball League. My first year in the league Kenny Bradford and I played outfield together. Kenny is now the commissioner of the junior division. Softball has given me a life full of great relationships.

“We want more guys to participate and give them an outlet that they’re maybe not even aware of,” said Witkowski.

The league’s founding was in April 1988, when Uniroyal retiree Dick Martens began looking around for people his age who would play softball with him.

The Michiana Senior Softball League has 12 teams playing Tuesday and Thursday evenings from May through August at the Byers Softball Complex on the southwest side of South Bend. The six junior division teams are for ages 52 and older, with senior teams generally for ages 62 and older. Fees are $60 per player. If a player participates in both leagues, the fee is $100. Starting times are 5 p.m. for senior games and 6:30 p.m. for the juniors.

New players at all skill levels are welcome. The league is flexible on age limits. The goal is to find a way so more people can play. Contact kenbradford@ comcast.net.