The Tellico senior men's softball league is getting ready for a new season, which means looking for new players who are ready to join up.

"We have six teams in the league with about 12-14 players on each team," league commissioner David Davis said. "Being that it's a senior league, with guys anywhere from 53 all the way up to - I think we've got a player or two that's 75 - we lose players every year that don't want to play anymore, don't want to risk injury anymore or whatever."

The league, which was once for Tellico Villagers only, is now open to any male in Loudon County, Kahite or Rarity Bay who is at least 53 years old.

"Basically, most of the players in it are guys who played baseball in high school, some in college, then they played softball when they were younger but they've been out of it for a while," Davis said. "We encourage guys to come back out and get involved in it."
New players will be drafted by the existing team captains.

Evaluations are scheduled for March 1, 5, 8 and 12 at Loudon Municipal Park. New players must attend one of the evaluations.

Assistant commissioner and former team manager Bruce Rein said evaluations are geared to helping teams fill certain positional needs.

"Nobody's ever been rejected from the league because they're not good enough to play," he said.

The league has a registration fee of $50 that is good for both the spring and fall seasons.

"It's a good way to stay active and it's a really good way to make friends," Davis said. "After the games are over every Tuesday, we have a little get together where we have snacks and stuff for the guys who want to come. It's another way to stay active and have fun and be a little competitive on top of that."

The league is schedule to play its first game March 19. Those interested in joining can contact Davis at 865-458-0952 or ddavis60@charter.net.