Two teams, 32 players, an average age of 70 years
MARQUETTE -- Two teams, 32 players, an average age right around 70. For 13 summers now, the old-timers from Marquette and Negaunee have taken their town rivalry to the softball diamond.
"We're looking for a good game and a lot of good memories from our past years," says Max Christensen, an umpire in Friday's game. "I watched these guys when they were a lot younger, and I was a lot younger. There's some good ball players here."
Among them, Red Krieg. At 81 years young, Red, the manager of Marquette, is one of the older old-timers. He wants to set the record straight that his Marquette team is leading the 13-season series.
"We stand about 13 and 12 right now. We're one game ahead of them," says Red.
It was a beautiful night in south Marquette. Right around 200 softball fans filled the stands, buying their peanuts and Cracker Jack, not really caring if they ever get back.
"People just enjoy coming to watch the old players play," Red says.
On the visitors' bench tonight is Negaunee, in their royal blue uniforms. The team was all smiles as they took the field.
"I don't feel competitive playing. Yes, I want to win. If we lose, that's OK, too," says Roland "Foo" Koski, Negaunee manager.
Marquette took a commanding lead early in this one, scoring six runs in the first two innings, but just like they taught us in tee-ball, the score doesn't matter! It was just a great night to be out enjoying the beautiful summer weather and some softball at Hurley Field.
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