If you know me (Mark) very well, you know that I am a big sports fan and a lifelong fan of all Detroit sports teams, especially the Detroit Tigers. This is obvious when you come into my office, sit down and look up at the wall and notice the many framed photos of me and some of my boyhood Tigers heroes like Willie Horton and Mickey Lolich. These photos were obtained for my 50th birthday when my wife Lisa sent me to the Detroit Tiger Fantasy Camp for one of the most fun and thrilling times of my life.
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I got to hang out with some former Tiger players, who served as my coaches as I played baseball with fellow Tigers fans ranging in age from 21 up into their 80s. What a fun time, even though on the second day I blew out a hamstring running to first base.
I was speaking at a Retirement Guys public workshop that we hold periodically and mentioned how I used to love playing some serious softball in my younger days. I talked about how I loved playing on a team, hanging out with the fellas and doing my best to help win the game. A guy by the name of Fritz came up to me afterward and told me I ought to consider playing in the Sylvania Senior Softball League.
I expressed to Fritz my reservations about being too old and fat and not being able to run. He told me not to worry about it and that I would do just fine. I was not so sure. I was so scared about being able to function on the field that after I made the decision to “make a comeback,” I hired a personal trainer to get me to the point that I could survive. I lost 25 pounds of fat and gained 10 pounds of muscle at last check, and yes, I survived the first season after a 21-year layoff, even though I blew out that dreaded hamstring. It was a fun time and I was really impressed with how organized the league is and how good the players are at 50 and older.
Many of the players are older than 60 and a lot of these guys are still hitting the ball over the fence and motoring around the bases. At 52, I felt a lot of these older guys were running circles around me. Our Fricker’s #3 team started out 4-1, but then sadly lost five in a row. Our hopes for the title went down with our losing streak.
The great thing about baseball though is that there is always hope for next year. And next year is here! Spring has sprung and it is time to get ready for a new season.
My Tigers have won the first two games of the year and the season starts soon for The Retirement Guys softball team, since we are sponsoring a team this year. Our team will play on Thursday nights at Pacesetter Park in Sylvania, so come on out and root us to victory. If you want to come see me play, starting May 7, I will be playing on Thursdays at either 6:15 p.m. or 7:30 p.m.
So what does all of this have to do with retirement planning, you ask? We are a big believer in enjoying every phase of life. Especially retirement.
Maybe it is time for you to explore a new career, or make a comeback. It’s not too late to do something. Figure out what it is and go for it. Fun and quality of life are what we are all about and you should be, too.
One last thing: My friend Marty called me and left me a voicemail. He said, “Mark, I got us on the same team this year. I had to trade for you, though.” I about died laughing when I heard that. I hope he did not trade more than a 10th-round draft pick or some stale Peeps from his Easter basket. What a riot. Play ball!
For more information about The Retirement Guys, tune in every Saturday at 1 P.M. on 1370 WSPD or visit www.retirementguysnetwork.com.
