Ken Chester: Defying Age on the Softball Field at 86

About the Guest(s):

Ken Chester is one of Kentucky's oldest and most active softball players, proving age is just a number. At 86 years old, Ken remains deeply involved in the sport, participating in senior league softball across multiple age categories. A lifelong athlete and sports enthusiast, he also coaches younger generations within his family. Through his commitment to staying active, Ken defies expectations and continues to inspire others with his youthful spirit.

Episode Summary:

Join host Gary Fogle on this week's episode of "Kentucky Sports Memories" as he sits down with Ken Chester, an extraordinary softball player in his mid-80s, who continues to compete at a high level. At 86, Ken Chester is a testament to the power of staying active, sharing insights into his journey and passion for softball, and explaining how it keeps him young at heart. In this fascinating conversation, Gary explores Ken's storied athletic past, his inspiration to continue playing, and the challenges and triumphs of competing well into his 80s.

In their discussion, Ken talks candidly about his path from being a lifelong sports enthusiast to a celebrated senior league softball player. Despite the typical age-related challenges, he competes in both local leagues and travels with teams by necessity due to the scarcity of players in his age bracket. His commitment to the game is unwavering, though he shares his experiences overcoming aches, reinventing his techniques, and his philosophy towards maintaining health and skill at an advanced age. This episode captures the essence of resilience, passion, and community embodied by Ken and other senior athletes.

Key Takeaways:

• Ken Chester continues to play in senior softball leagues at age 86, defying conventional expectations of seniors in sports.

• Despite ongoing physical challenges, Ken remains competitive in local and travel leagues, constantly working on improving his technique.

• Ken speaks to the importance of staying active both mentally and physically, supported by his family and healthcare professionals.

• Softball remains alive largely due to the participation of older generations, while its popularity has waned among younger players.

• Ken's outlook on aging and sports is one of perseverance, with no immediate plans to retire from the game he loves.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's a great thing to keep you young. Every time I tell my doctor that maybe I'll retire next year, he says no way."

• "I'm still competitive. I play in a 60-year-old league and manage a team in a 70-year-old league."

• "You have to reinvent the wheel if you would. Your body gets lazy as you get into your 80s..."

• "When you get older, you know, it's a pain a week. You never know what's going to hurt you the next week."

• "I'm going to play as long as I can play at a level that doesn't, you know, bother me."

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 an inspiring testament to lifelong athleticism with Ken Chester as he continues to live his passion for softball and stay tuned for more captivating episodes of Kentucky Sports Memories.