SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — It’s another day on the diamond but for a softball league in Seminole county it’s a lot more than just another game.

“I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have this,” said Steve Schiff, the commissioner of the Seminole Senior Softball league.

This isn’t just any weekly softball league.

The players take it seriously but their reason for playing is what makes them stand out.

“It keeps me young. Keeps me going,” said Donny Stoutjesdyk, an 86-year-old softball player.

“I think the biggest reason is to keep us young,” said Schiff.

“Just being here at my age, enjoying the sunshine,” said Gene Smith, an 82-year-old softball player.

This league features players ranging from 60 to 86-years-old.

“We have a group of seniors that are 60 plus years old that have been playing softball together since the league was established some 25-30 years ago. We gather every Wednesday morning and right now there are five teams, four will be playing, the other team is a bye and they come and watch and help and we do this 52 weeks a year,” said Schiff.

It’s a year-round softball league and it’s not just once a week for most of the players.

At the end of the day it’s about more than just hits and runs.

“There are a lot of guys that have been ill, a lot of them have been sick, and a lot of them have cancer issues but they continue to play and that’s keeping them alive,” said Schiff.

“I am a very strong guy, I’ve had cancer before in my throat, I had cancer in my brain but I feel good,” said Moises Pena, a 73-year-old softball league.

“For the sunshine, for the health and to meet up with the guys that I’ve been playing with for 25 years. It’s just a lot of fun,” said Smith.

The goal of the league is to have fun while staying young.

Or at least try to.

“The only thing I am missing now is speed. If you had a sun dial you could time me on my speed,” said Smith.

This league provides a simple reminder to be grateful and appreciate everything life has to offer.

“I wake up and I am ready to go! I just want to play ball. We have a good time doing it so enjoy it,” said Stoutjesdyk.

“It’s keeping us healthy, it’s keeping us alive and it’s keeping us going,” said Schiff.

For more information on the Seminole Senior Softball league you can call Steve Schiff at 407-600-3564 or email him at steverino66@gmail.com