Kids and Kubs Great @ 88

KIDS AND KUBS, GREAT @ 88

Eighty-eight years is a long stretch of time. A business that can claim such a long existence has established itself as a fixture in the community and even nationally. Organizational health over that period is a sign of dedicated leadership and a loyal following. It is darn good regarding human existence as well.

You don’t often find a volunteer recreational organization with a history of such longevity; however, the Grand Daddy of all Senior Softball organizations will open the 2017-18 season on Thursday, November 2 at St Petersburg’s North Shore Park, celebrating eighty-eight years of continuous softball.

Beginning at 9:30 "Opening Day" will feature two five-inning games with formal ceremonies between games. The club composed of senior softball players 74 years and older, has been in existence since 1933. Active continuously year around, Kids and Kubs is believed to be the oldest continuous senior softball organization within the United States – perhaps the world. To my knowledge, “Guinness" doesn’t keep a record of this or even have a category for such an accomplishment.

Under the direction of a seven-member board, the four teams within the club call North Shore Park their home with two games scheduled every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday beginning at 10 AM. Admission is free, and fans of the game are invited to attend. North Shore Park located at 901 North Shore Drive and the ball field is adjacent to the Municipal Pool at the Park.

In addition to the regular schedule of games played during the competitive season from late October until early April, exhibition games include the annual Mayor's game in February. The Mayor's team won the trophy in 2016 on Mayor Rick Kriseman’s game winning hit. However, the Kids regained the coveted cup of victory last season. Also featured in the exhibition schedule are games against local and out-of-state teams and the Freedom Spirit women's team of Clearwater. Postseason games will be played at Tropicana and Spectrum Field, in Clearwater in early April.

If you think you would like to play ball with the "Kids & Kubs," come to the field and see all the excitement is yourself. Women and men are welcome to try-out. Call Jon Wilkerson at 813-244-8573 for information. Women and men who may want to be close to the game, but not be a player may be a “dug-out” manager. See Wilkerson on that opportunity as well.

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