THE Port Phoenix Always Able women’s softball team finished their season with a decisive win in the Mid North Coast Softball Association competition last month.
The competition has been in existence for more than 50 years, and the team of ten comprises players aged 14 to 70. Long-time player Michelle Nohotima is 54 and juggles the sport alongside her family, full time work and community service commitments.
“I’ve been playing softball for fifteen years,” she told NOTA.
“I enjoy it because I make new friends, it’s a stress relief from my busy job, and it gives me fun people to hang out with.”
Michelle broke her finger halfway through the team’s recent win but kept on playing as her side claimed victory.
“We won 13-12 in the bottom of the seventh,” she said.
“It was an extremely competitive game and this is one of the best teams I have played in.”
Softball has a long history having originated in Chicago, Illinois in 1887.
It was designed as an indoor game and a way for baseball players to retain their edge in the winter months.
The sport arrived in Australia in 1937 and is now played by over 25,000 people around the country.
The Mid North Coast association is managed and facilitated by volunteers, including the umpires, with their next season commencing in October.
New players are always welcome and coaching is provided.
Enquiries to portmacquariesoftball@gmail.com.
By Rachael THORPE
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