From the Dugout - By Terry Hennessy

Feb. 1, 2022

From the Dugout Column
By Terry Hennessy

The optimists of the world, America and our sport have lurched into 2022 with an abundance of hope and not a little trepidation.

Most of us are sick of anything to do with the pandemic – and so hope springs that 2022 will see a return to a more normal life.

Senior Softball USA celebrates its 34th year in 2022 with a full slate of more than 100 tournaments, leagues in 250 cities, international tournaments in Eastern Europe, the Caribbean and Canada. Even more important, we are seeing more teams and players signing up for the tournaments and leagues.

We are extremely grateful to the players and teams that compete in SSUSA tournaments – and to the sponsors, host hotels and cities that help us keep the cost of tournaments down. We are also very grateful to the families and friends who support our players.

As our sport has grown, we have begun running short of room at some tournaments and last year had to establish waiting lists. Fortunately, we were able to take most of the teams on the waiting list.

We expect to see the growth of the sport continue in 2022 and will likely have waiting lists for some tournaments.

So, beginning in 2022, please be aware that your team is not officially entered in a tournament until the entry fee is paid – and some tournaments will likely fill up before the entry deadline. So, please send your entry as early as possible.

As many of you know, the U.S. Postal Service has been experiencing some serious delivery delays. We are seeing delays of up to about three weeks in some mail – so mail the entry fee early. You can, of course, pay over the phone by credit card if you wish.

And please, please use the host hotels listed for tournaments. Those hotels provide sponsorship based on their business – and those sponsorships help keep your entry fee down. In addition – unlike online hotel services – if you have a problem with a host hotel, we are more than willing to address the problem on your behalf.

I look forward to seeing you on the field!

Terry Hennessy is the chief executive officer of Senior Softball USA and can be reached at: Terryh@seniorsoftball.com