Mark remarked that attendance was off this year due to the National Senior Games coming up in a few weeks, and also the new location. He is working with the county to try to get some sanctioned courts at the Iron Bridge location, and would like to start a league pitching there. The Iron Bridge Complex is huge, well planned, and has plenty of room for expansion.

Some familiar faces were there, Ben Robinson, George Hopson, Thomas Banks, Howard Blackwell, Dale Chadwick, John Ham and myself.

The classes were set up by age brackets in five year increments. For those who belong to the NHPA it is a tough way to pitch. In all brackets there is such a range of pitchers with different percentages that the out come can be hard to predict.  George, Thomas and Howard made a class of their own. If you know George and Howard they can keep you laughing, and Thomas fit right in with the banter. It was great to see them.

Dale Chadwick from the Crozet Club attended with his gear. His unique shoe holder and stick holder should have a patent on them. Having taken off the last year due to surgery on his knee, Dale is glad to be back and says he’s doing much better now.

When John Hamm and I arrive at the courts, we looked at the roster, and I realized I was the only person in my class. “Gold, I’ve got gold. I’m the only one in my Class. You have to fight for yours!”   Oops.  Mark and Judy told me I had to pitch at least 2 shoes. Those were the toughest shoes I ever pitched, because cameras were lined up pointed right at me! John did have to fight for his gold. The best 2 out of 3 games was his bracket.  His opponent didn’t let him walk away with it though. With one win and one loss each going into the third round, John put on the pressure and got hot! Taking the gold!

For most of the day the weather had been great, but as the day wore on, my daughter called me with the weather update – there were tornadoes in the valley around 1:00, and by 3:00 the same system was approaching Richmond. The games concluded with only 10 minutes to spare. The downpours hit just as John and I left the parking lot.

Reflecting on the day, I felt both elated and disappointed. Elated that I won the gold, but disappointed I had no competition. Was it worth the trip? You bet it was. For the $15 entry fee, I met some new friends, and came home with a medal, a great travel bag, and a  tee shirt. Passing out literature about the VaHPA and NHPA was a lot of fun also. I enjoyed introducing the organization to some new people and stirring their interest! 

Going forward, my goal would be to get more of us seniors out to pitch.  I might have been youngest senior at this year’s event, but I am looking forward to next year’s event and more competition.  If you turn 50 years in the calendar year, you can participate. It would be really great to see you on the courts with the rest of us!!

Kevin