For those of you out there that love baseball and want to see the nearest thing to the pros come out and see the Puget Sound Senior Baseball League in action at Steve Cox Field in White Center.

CLICK THE IMAGE ABOVE TO SEE MORE PHOTOS

The players range in age from the mid twenty's to almost sixty, but don't think this is T-Ball for old guys.

These players at one time or another played college baseball and (or) played in the minor leagues. Defensively they are all in great shape. They may not lay out for that diving catch as much as they used to to but their savvy and knowledge of the batters keeps them in good position to make plays. Pitchers in this league routinely throw fastballs in the low to mid 80's and have the usual array of professional hocus pokus, and offensive stars hit home runs that could leave any park in the major leagues.

Because the hitters are so powerful, at Steve Cox Field, the teams have decided to hit with wooden bats. This reduces bat speed and make it difficult to launch a baseball over 300 feet.....

But not impossible.

Last night at Steve Cox Field in White Center I witnessed one of the largest thumpings in my baseball memory.

The Cascade Division leading Orioles kept their foot on the gas with a 31 to 9 drubbing of division member Pirates. The Pirates struck first in the second inning scoring three runs off a home run blast from their starting pitcher and looked like they were in control.

However things deteriorated rapidly from there for the Pirates. The Oriole offence quickly found their rhythm and proceeded to give a batting clinic that lasted through the end of the game. The Orioles batted through the order in the 5th and 7th innings causing severe attrition to the Pirates pitching staff, eventually sending four different hurlers to the mound.

The Orioles showed incredible sportsmanship by seemingly allowing some runs to score late in the game. Earlier in the season the Pirates had given the Orioles a thumping and were not as gracious, but no animosity showed on the field. Both teams played a clean game, shook hands, and joked around on the field after the game.

This is great family entertainment FOR FREE!!!

There is no admission charged to get in. The field bleacher seats are covered and as good as any minor league ballpark. The infield is the new Fieldturf with the outfield in natural grass. You may bring in food and beverages for the game but alcoholic beverages are not allowed in King County Parks.The field is lit up for late games giving that classic night game feel.
Games at Steve Cox Field and Sealth High School will continue throughout August.
For the complete schedule go to www.pssbl.com

Playoffs are coming up but the game locations have not been posted yet. I've been told by players and umpires that Steve Cox Field and Sealth will be locations for some of the games.

Tomorrow night (8- 26- 10) it's the Islanders v Rainiers (Sierra division)
First pitch is at 6 pm
The Islander are 6 1/2 games out of first place in the division while the Rainiers occupy the cellar.
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Also tomorrow night (8- 26-10) at the Sealth High School ball field
Diablos v Seawolves (Rocky divsion)
First pithch at 6 pm.
Both teams are fighting near the bottom trying to keep out of last place.