Why Age is Just a Number for Softball Legends John McGarry and Don Giles

Keeping the Spirit Alive

In Kentucky, senior leagues have become a haven for older athletes who refuse to let age dull their love for slow pitch softball. As Gary Fogle shares in his podcast, players like John McGarry and Don Giles exemplify how the sport remains vibrant despite its nationwide decline. For McGarry, 78, playing in both the 60 and 70-plus leagues is a testament to his enduring passion. "I can still play pretty well. It’s therapy," he shares, highlighting the game’s physical and mental health benefits.

The Therapeutic Power of Sports

These senior leagues are more than just a place to play—they offer a form of therapy. McGarry explains how being part of these leagues brings joy and companionship, which is vital for seniors who might otherwise struggle with isolation. Social connections fostered on the field can be just as powerful as the physical activity itself, helping older adults find purpose and community.

Dedication Despite the Distance

Don Giles, another senior athlete, underscores the lengths some will go to keep playing. Living 82 miles away from Louisville’s leagues, Giles makes the weekly drive to play softball because of the camaraderie he finds. "I enjoy playing with this group of guys," he says, pointing out that the experience goes beyond competition—it’s about staying connected and engaged.

A Need for Wider Access

Giles’s dedication highlights a bigger challenge: the lack of accessible senior sports programs in many areas. His 82-mile drive is a testament to the need for more widespread opportunities for seniors to stay active. Expanding these programs could improve quality of life for countless older adults by helping them maintain physical health and build supportive social networks.

Health and Social Benefits

McGarry and Giles’s stories also illustrate how senior leagues boost physical health—improving heart health, muscle strength, and mental sharpness. But just as important is the social side. "Having 120 to 200 friends, it’s part therapy," McGarry says, showing how these leagues combat loneliness and strengthen community ties.

Building a Lasting Legacy

As leagues around the country dwindle, the commitment of players like McGarry and Giles sends a powerful message: sports can be a lifelong pursuit, enriching lives far beyond the competitive peak. Their dedication serves as a call to action for more communities to support and grow these programs, ensuring that senior athletes can continue to find joy, purpose, and health on the field for years to come.

Learn more about John McGarry and Don Giles on their Facebook Accounts:

John McGarry

Don Giles