UPDATED Wednesday, May 19, 2010 --- 5:15 p.m.

This is one of Your Stories.

The senior softball league kicked off its first season today.

The Greater Madison Senior Softball League held their home opener this morning at Goodman Park.

The league has 8 teams.

Players come from all over the state some traveling up to 60 miles to participate.

The average age in the league is 64 and the oldest member is 87.

Bob Ruhland, co-organizer, says: "I think we are still kids at heart and we like the competitiveness of getting out and playing and we're fit and able to want to play. It's just being around our friends and wanting to meet people."

The home team scored two runs in the bottom of the 9th to win today.

The softball league's season is expected to go into September.

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UPDATED Tuesday, March 16, 2010 -- 4:15 p.m.

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Tuesday's weather proving great for some outdoor activity - perhaps a game of softball? Now, there's a new softball league which some seniors think is a real home run.

"Boy, Bob... still got the old pop!"

Ray Blum and Bob Ruhland go way back!

"We go back to grade school days."

Now, in their 60s, the two have been tossing around the idea of starting senior softball!

"I haven't played in about 40 years," Blum says. "Last spring, I looked out my window... And some people were playing softball .. and all of a sudden I got the itch to play again after 40 years."

But, with the closest senior league too far away, the two decided to take a swing at organizing a local league themselves.

"So, we went to West Allis last summer and we watched a game, and wow, I mean mean they were having such fun. These guys were in the 50s, 60s, 70s .. 80s, and they were just having a ball, literally!

Bob and Ray have made some adjustments to make the game safer for seniors... For example, using a softer softball instead of a regular one.

"There's no sliding. There's no metal spikes and at home... you have to go across a scoring line, which is about 5 feet away from the catcher... no chance of running into the catcher."

"In this league here, we want people to hit the ball.. not to take pitches... that's what I like about it," Ruhland says.

Both also like the idea of reconnecting with old friends...

"Some of the guys we haven't seen in years."

making new ones...

"We've got a person 86 that wants to play."

and playing some competitive ball...

"Still got it yeah, like riding a bike!"

- like the old days!

"I still like swinging the bat... still find I'm a kid at heart yet."

The games begin Wednesday mornings in May.

"This is perfect weather for a ball game today."

Goodman Park will host the games. They're open to men 55 years and older from anywhere. The registration deadline is coming up - March 26th.

You can find more information at:
http://www.greatermadisonseniorsoftball.com

This is one of Your Stories. We want to remind you to send us Your Stories. If you have a story idea, click on the link below.

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POSTED Tuesday, March 16, 2010 -- 2:00 p.m.

Your Stories: Madison diamonds will host a new softball league this summer.

A couple of guys in their 60s have organized a senior softball league - the first of its kind in Madison.

And, they're looking for more men 55+ to join them.

Bob Ruhland and Ray Blum say the game's a great way to re-connect with old friends, meet new ones and simply have fun while staying active.

The games begin May 12. They'll take place at Goodman Park Wednesday mornings.

You can find more information at:
http://www.greatermadisonseniorsoftball.com