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In the movie “Field of Dreams,” James Earl Jones’ character Terence Mann eloquently remarks that, “One constant through all the years has been baseball. It reminds us of all that was once good and could be again.”
For 105 former baseball and now softball players who play on six over-60 teams, Bachman Sports Complex in Glen Burnie may be their “Field of Dreams.”
Opening night for the 2025 season at Bachman Sports Complex in April was a cold and blustery evening, but that didn’t dampen the players’ excitement of being back on the diamond. The players still reflect with emotion on how baseball was a joyful part of their childhood.
“For two hours, I get to pretend I’m 10 years old again,” said Will Lloyd of Glen Burnie. “I started playing baseball at 8 and I’ve played baseball and/or softball for 52 years, and I only missed two years because I was in the Navy.”
Lloyd was this year’s first draft choice in the league, which has a draft each year to fill out the rosters. League managers conduct a tryout every year to evaluate the players’ skill level. Players are graded on a one to three ranking, so the league is fair and everyone gets playing time.
Lloyd, who had heart valve surgery in October, is one of many players who have undergone surgeries and rehabilitation so they can keep playing. Many other players have had joint replacement surgeries, but the smell of the freshly cut grass and the sound of the aluminum bat making contact with the ball are too hard to relinquish.
Six teams compete in this Tuesday night league, with 16 players on each roster. Players are from throughout Anne Arundel County and Baltimore City. Two longtime sponsors are Severna Park Taphouse and Port Tack Ltd. Wine & Spirits in Arnold.
Severna Park Taphouse’s team has won the league championship for the last five years, but league manager Mike West of Arnold sees this season being more competitive with the addition of “younger players.”
“All the teams are better this year, and because of the influx of new players, every week will be competitive,” West said.
The league runs for 10 weeks and has many unique rules for safety: double bases at first; two home plates that are separated by a few feet so there aren’t any collisions on plays at the plate; pinch runners for anyone; and a five-run limit for the team batting except for the last inning.
Severna Park Taphouse’s squad has the league’s oldest player, 91-year-old Dick Baker. He has been playing softball since 1970 and was scouted by the major leagues in high school. His baseball dream was derailed as he spent three years serving his country in the Korean War. Baker has undergone two knee replacements and has relegated himself to a pastime player.
Baker and the other players still exchange baseball banter during the game and provide positive encouragement throughout the game. The camaraderie is a huge part of why the players keep playing every year, even though their physicality may not be what it once was.
On this year’s opening night, Severna Park Taphouse swept a doubleheader over Fegan’s Embroidery & Screen Printing. However, before the games, the league was presented a check for $2,500 by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) of Maryland. This donation will offset some of the expenses for the league.
The league is always looking for additional players. If interested in playing, contact Mike West at 410-271-2446.
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