Softball league like family to octogenarian

Ray Tibbs, 85, has stepped onto the mound with the 50-plus Softball League of Cape Coral for 18 years.

On July 5, he was inducted as the inaugural member of the league's Hall of Fame.

"He represents all the good things of softball," Steve Dougherty, vice president of the league said to the gathered spectators.

Tibbs received a catcher's mitt shaped trophy and a varsity style jacket for his service to the league.

Tibbs accepted his award and said to the group that he doesn't have immediate family down in Cape Coral but the league is now his family. He is originally from Cincinnati.

He was honored for his participation and sportsmanship.

Tibbs has played in leagues for close to three decades. He made his start in Ohio and continued playing when he moved down to Southwest Florida nearly 20 years ago.

The honor was also a part of his birthday celebration. He turned 85 on July 3.

"It's great," Tibbs said. "There's nothing I had in my life that compares to it."

"(He's) real inspiring," said Jennifer Ford, a member of the league. "You don't see many 85-year-old people playing ball."

Ford said Tibbs has a great attitude and is very spirited. He helps morale.

"He's what sportsmanship is all about," Ford said.

Tibbs is a valuable player, too. He's the pitcher for his team, Fifer Orthopedics. Teammate Steve Sonnenberg said Tibbs is an excellent hitter as well.

He won the Senior-Softball USA Nationals in the 70s division as the manager of the Lawson's Products team in 2008. The team was based in Cape Coral.

Tibbs also had success 15 years ago at the Senior Olympics in Norfolk, Va. He hit a grand slam helping his team, FC Industries, clinch victory in the 65 age division.

Tibbs said he doesn't play in leagues just for the game.

"(I come) for the softball and for the camaraderie," Tibbs said. "The players are nice guys."

Tibbs said he watches baseball with guys and sometimes goes up for Ray's games. He also plays golf with his teammates.

Tibbs practices three days a week and plays four days a week. When he is not on the field, Tibbs is in the gym, Sonnenberg said.

"His character is as strong as his body," Sonnenberg said.

"It mainly keeps me in shape," Tibbs said. "And I think it adds years to your life."

He said he encourages seniors to play ball and to be out in the sunshine.

And Tibbs figures he has more to give to the game.

"I'm going to continue playing until I'm able," Tibbs said.