As we get older, it can feel as though we’ve run out of new experiences, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Friendships can be formed at any age, and they can be life-changing. This is something that Sam Evanz has witnessed in the local softball league that her husband is a part of. There are 14 players, each of whom is very much appreciated and loved.
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That said, there is one softball teammate that stands out in a number of ways. This player is an 81-year-old man. He first joined the team as a rookie when he was 69 years old. He appreciates his teammates so much, in fact, he decided to send out a heartfelt text message to the group chat at 2:30 a.m. Sam shares an image of his message below. It’s so long, it couldn’t fit in a single image:
![View of a phone with a text on it. The message reads:
Well guys, just up to do my middle of the night pee. I have been laying in bed for the past half hour thinking about tonight's game and thinking about the great bunch of guys I am allowed to play with. I really appreciate the way you guys treat me as an equal and not just an old fart. You know there are a couple of songs I often think of, one is Don't Let The Old Man In, the other When Did I Get Old. The first I like, the second I do not. It's you guys that keep me living by the first one. Except for you guys, I would not be playing ball, no daily walks no light weights. There would be no reason to do those things. It's all of you who keep me going and give me the reason to get out of bed in the morning. All of you should take pride in knowing that there is one old fart you help keeping going every day. I don't know if I will get another year in the league or not. [Redacted], I don't buy GREEN bananas anymore.](https://www.inspiremore.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/softball-teammate.jpg)
“But I do know, this will be the year of ball I will remember. All because of 14 great people,” the rest of the man’s message reads. “I will do my best to contribute to the team, but some days are better [than] others. Now… I got that off my chest, I will try to go to la la land again.”
81-Year-Old Softball Player Delivers the Sweetest Message to His Teammates in the Middle of the Night
Needless to say, both his teammates and strangers online alike are getting emotional over this thoughtful message. In fact, his teammates made sure to deliver their very own heartfelt responses.
![View of text messages on a phone.
From DK: Glad to have ya you old fart!!!
B: You may not know this but it's your example that keeps a lot of us older... oops... mature players going. Well... if this old fart can keep going and contribute, as you do, to the game and [this] team then by god I can. Your competitiveness and passion for the game is 2nd to none and seeing that inspires everyone on this team and any ream who is lucky enough to have you. That's the reason Al and I pick you and wouldn't have it any other way. Ok... enough of this sappy [redacted]... pull up your cotton socks and lets keep on truckin. Who's on deck for [tongiht's] game?
C: In. He is on his second nap now, won't see that until later, lol](https://www.inspiremore.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/softball-teammate-2.jpg)
For anyone who is hoping this sweet group has a team photo to share… unfortunately, they do not. At least not yet, anyway. Sam is hopeful they’ll be getting one sooner than later.
“They do not have a team photo yet,” she explained, “but hopefully we can get one when they win the championship.”
You can find the source of this story’s featured image here!
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