Rural Hall baseball players prove age is just a number

RURAL HALL, N.C. (WGHP) — On Monday nights at Covington Park, players take the field for a regular matchup between the Bombers and the Young Guns.

The two softball teams are divided not by skill but by age. The Bombers are all over 80. The Young Guns are 50s to 80s.

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For many, the game is a return to something they haven’t done in decades.

“I hadn’t played in probably 40 years,” said Larry Williams, an 84-year-old member of the Bombers.

Players admit the Bombers “get beat pretty bad sometimes.” Still, that’s not what keeps them coming back.

Paul McElroy, 88, takes the field alongside teammates like Larry, who sometimes steps in to run bases when needed.

The two call Salemtowne Retirement Community in Winston-Salem home, but under those Monday night lights in Rural Hall, they show up to win.

“I used to be able to throw from center field all the way to home plate,” Paul said. “Now I can barely get it there.”

“They’re all here to win,” Paul said. “And have some fun.”

The league modified rules to fit the players, but the spirit remains unchanged. It’s a childhood game that brings back memories for the coed teams.

Players travel from surrounding areas to take part, gathering each week not just for competition but for connection.

“If you’re in good shape, come out and join us,” Larry said.

The teams play starting at 6:30 p.m. each Monday at Covington Park now through October.

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