Kids and Kubs: St. Pete's 75-and-Older Softball League Nears 100 Years on the Diamond

In the heart of St. Petersburg, the Kids and Kubs softball club is on the brink of a remarkable milestone: its 100th anniversary.

 

Established in 1925, this league has been a beacon for athletes aged 75 and above, fostering both competition and community.

 

Three times a week, these seasoned players gather at North Shore Park, donning their traditional uniforms complete with the iconic black bow tie—a practical choice adopted early on to prevent long ties from interfering with play.

 

Among the dedicated members is Ethel Lehmann, who, at 96, matches the league's age.

 

A member since 2004 and inducted into the Women's National Senior Softball Hall of Fame in 2008, Lehmann exemplifies the spirit of the game.

 

"I love the game of softball," she shares.

 

"If there's only one out and there's someone on third, I'll get an RBI."

 

Safety and enjoyment are paramount.

 

Games are structured to be heavy on offense, with sides changing after five runs.

 

Precautions include mats in the batter's box for better footing and adjusted bases to minimize collisions.

 

As Club President Joe Hannah humorously notes, "Mostly when you're our age, half of us are dead anyway."

 

Yet, the league thrives, offering its members not just a sport, but a lifeline.

 

"It just keeps you going," says 81-year-old Barb Ewald.

 

"It makes you want to get up in the daytime. It relieves any kind of stupid pressures you put on yourself, and you just enjoy it."

 

As the centennial approaches, the Kids and Kubs continue to embody the joy of the game and the enduring power of community.

 

For those interested in joining or supporting the league, more information is available through local community channels.