How Kentucky Seniors John McGarry and Don Giles Keep Slow Pitch Softball Alive and Thriving

About the Guest(s):

John McGarry

John McGarry is a passionate athlete at the age of 78, actively engaged in slow pitch softball. He competes in both a 60 and over league and a 70 and over league in Louisville, Kentucky, besides being part of a travel team. John's dedication to the sport persists despite age-related challenges, making him an integral figure in Kentucky's senior sports community.

Don Giles

Don Giles, a committed player of slow pitch softball, is approaching his 67th birthday. Residing in the Elkhorn area south of Campbellsville, Kentucky, Don is dedicated to maintaining his athletic pursuits by participating in a 60 and over softball league in Louisville and a 45 and over baseball league in Elizabethtown. His enthusiasm for the sport and resilience in overcoming logistics exemplifies his love for athletics.

Episode Summary:

Join Gary Fogle on "Kentucky Sports Memories" as he delves into an intriguing exploration of senior athletes striving to keep the sport of slow pitch softball alive and thriving in Kentucky. This episode is dedicated to showcasing the commitment of individuals who continue to create their sports legacy, despite advancing age. At its heart, this discussion reveals the ways older athletes maintain their passion and engage with sporting activities.

This episode spotlights the remarkable stories of John McGarry and Don Giles, two inspirational senior athletes who are deeply involved in the fading tradition of slow pitch softball in Kentucky. Both players represent a cohort that defies age norms, showing immense dedication to their sport. John McGarry describes his involvement as therapeutic, even highlighting his wife's supportive role in his sporting activities. Meanwhile, Don Giles illustrates his commitment by traveling significant distances for his love of the game. Despite geographic challenges, both maintain a vigorous enthusiasm and foster a vibrant community spirit around senior league softball. These narratives not only sustain interest in a beloved sporting pastime but also inspire listeners with their unwavering perseverance.

Key Takeaways:

• John McGarry continues to actively participate in senior league softball at 78, bolstering both his social life and physical activity.

• Don Giles maintains a rigorous schedule, driving significant distances weekly to engage in both softball and baseball leagues.

• Despite physical challenges and age limitations, both John and Don represent the spirit of sportsmanship, showing age as no barrier.

• Slow pitch softball is highlighted as a fading sport with a dedicated following among seniors in Kentucky, particularly in Louisville.

• The support of family members, such as spouses joining in as scorekeepers, underscores the social and community benefits of engaging in sports.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's, it's as much, you know, in our, at my age, you know, having 120 to 200 friends, that's part, it's therapy." - John McGarry

• "I will play as long as I am able to and as long as my wife says, you, you can do that." - John McGarry

• "Cause I said years ago long, like I play and have fun, I'm gonna play." - Don Giles

• "If your wife's sister didn't live in Mount Washington? He said, oh, I would still go play. I would still be a part of it." - Gary Fogle on Don Giles

• "I was able to adjust to both pitches. There is a little difference in the batter stance, how you approach the ball naturally." - Don Giles

Join Gary Fogle as he continues to explore the stories behind the events and figures that have left a lasting mark on the world of sports in Kentucky. Listen to the full episode for a deeper dive into the lives of senior athletes in Kentucky that offer a heartwarming look into the enduring passion and community spirit that surrounds slow pitch softball and stay tuned for more captivating episodes of Kentucky Sports Memories.