Above all, don’t take any of this too seriously. Keep things loose, relaxed, and have fun!!

Ray Tibbs 60+ Senior Men's Softball

BORN JULY 03, 1926 DIED APRIL 23, 2021 Welcome to the Ray Tibbs 60+ Men's Senior Softball League Ft Myers, FL. Our league is a recreational league, open to senior men of all skill levels. Our goal is to have fun, get some exercise and leave the stress, worries and problems behind. As Ray says: "We have players of all abilities. Some good and some not so good. It's a chance for enjoyment and exercise, and you're meeting people who like the game like you do. It's a friendly competition. When playing you may forget about any problems you have." We strive to have every player play every inning and most of all to have fun! We play softball Tuesday and Thursday mornings (every year since 2004) from January thru March in downtown Ft. Myers, Florida. The location is Shady Oaks Park, 3300 Marion Street, owned and maintained by the City of Ft Myers. We play slow-pitch softball with a 6-12 arc. Players are encouraged to provide their own cleats, bat and glove. Senior Softball Bats are allowed. Any man 60 or older who loves playing softball is welcome to join us. If interested in joining us, please see the contact information provided below.
Address
Shady Oaks Park 3300 Marion St, Ft Myers, Fl 33916
Contact Us
239-703-3942
Scott@SeniorSoftballFortMyers.com
Playing days
Tuesday MorningsThursday Mornings

Tibbs,86, Not Ready to Hang It Up

December 15, 2012By CHUCK BALLARO - Special to the Breeze , Cape Coral Daily Breeze It probably is fair to say that Ray Tibbs is a freak of nature, especially to those who are lucky enough to get to his stage in life. The 86-year-old Cape Coral resident not only plays softball with people young enough to be his son (and maybe grandson), but still does it at a high level. Sooner or later, even the best have to slow things down. After three decades of softball, seemingly every day, Tibbs is going to cut back to a couple mornings a week in his eponymous winter league at Shady Oaks Park in Fort Myers. His days of playing in Cape Coral's 50-plus League will be a thing of the past. Tibbs, who was inducted into the Cape Coral Hall of Fame in 2011, will return to Cincinnati to be with his family during the warmer months. "I'm just going to be a snowbird. I've lived here full time since 1992, now I'm going back to where I'm originally from," Tibbs said. Tibbs is proof that being an octogenarian doesn't mean you can't live life to the fullest. Now, Tibbs plays softball four days a week in Cape Coral and Fort Myers as a pitcher, practices when he isn't playing, and regularly goes to the gym. In fact, until a few years ago, Tibbs played in the 18-and-over division, but Tibbs had to run for himself, which even he admits was a bit much. He said his ability to pitch has kept him in the game. "Many people can't pitch. The ball has to hit the mat to be a strike and most people can't do it," Tibbs said. That can be dangerous. Thanks in part to today's composite bats, Tibbs has had his leg and foot broken over the years by line drives back to the mound. Cape Coral pitchers have no protection, unlike Fort Myers and Naples where pitchers can use a screen. Tibbs has had a legendary softball career dating back to his days in Ohio. "I read about senior softball in Dayton, Ohio, and I started playing tournaments all over the United States. I even won two World Series rings," Tibbs said. He played for F.C. Industries, which played in national tournaments in 10 states, and won the 1995 Senior Olympic National with help from a Tibbs grand slam, the only one of his career, he said. Tibbs' longevity is the envy of nearly everyone, including Steve Fee, who plays with Tibbs. "He's my hero. He's by far the oldest person in the league. He's not only playing, he's a good pitcher and a great hitter," Fee said. "He's the best role model and the nicest man you'd want to meet." "Ray's an inspiration to many players. At his age to be drafted so high is an inspiration to the younger guys," said Cape 50-plus League secretary Jennifer Ford. "I'm upset he won't be in the league anymore." That doesn't mean he won't continue to live an active life. He will still work out three times a week, will still have the Ray Tibbs League in Fort Myers, in which players from 14 states and Canada play, as well as the Ray Tibbs softball Classic in Cape Coral. The point is, Tibbs said, because you're older doesn't mean you can't still be active. "I just encourage people to play and not think you're too old," Tibbs said. "Play a lot of softball. All your problems and worries leave once you get on the field."

Softball Over 60: Still Going Strong

Thanks to one snowbird’s vision, softball-loving seniors have a league all their own.
By Bill LevyAt 90 years old, Ray Tibbs knows a thing or two about softball. Over a decade ago, when this Ohio native turned snowbird began wintering in Fort Myers, he was quite excited to join a 60+ softball league in his new seasonal hometown, but he quickly discovered a gaping void in the local softball community. Sure, Fort Myers has an over 50 league, but Tibbs wanted a place where older players of any age would feel welcome. “There was no place to play,” Tibbs lamented, referring to the complete lack of 60+ leagues in Fort Myers and Cape Coral back then. A decade may not seem like a lot in many aspects of life, but as Tibbs so plainly explains, “Ten years makes a big difference in softball.” Never one to give up, Tibbs decided if there wasn’t already a 60+ league, he’d just have to make one. 12 years later, the Ray Tibbs 60+ Senior Softball League is still going strong, with a full schedule of play in the winter months. The league currently has six teams that play at Shady Oaks Park in Fort Myers on Tuesday and Thursday mornings during the months of January, February and March. With many of its players from Florida, the league is also comprised of seasonal residents from as many as 16 different states and Canada, according to Tibbs. As far as the professionalism and organization of the league, Tibbs did plenty of leg work to get all of his bases covered – each team in the league has a manager, he ensures all teams have a pitcher and a catcher before the rest of the roster is filled, and he schedules the players to act as umpires for each other’s games. The league rents the field from the city of Fort Myers, and there is a $65.00 fee per player. Tibbs says compared to golf, it’s still very small, but it’s a great time for all – and very inclusive. “We have players of all abilities,” he shares. “Some good and some not so good. It’s a chance for enjoyment and exercise, and you’re meeting people who like the game like you do. It’s a friendly competition. When playing you may forget about any problems you have.” Seasonal Fort Myers resident Mike Ecker, 66, agrees with Tibbs about the social benefits of the league.“It is a good group of guys,” says Ecker, who lives half the year in Wisconsin. “You meet different people.” Creating opportunities for socializing was definitely part of Tibbs vision for the league, an aspect he ensured by adding a rotation so players don’t stay on the same team forever. Neil Fountain says this is one of his favorite parts of the league. “I like the rotation,” he said. “You have different players on your team every year. You’re never stuck with the same teammates.” In addition to the league’s friendliness and professionalism, it also boasts a welcoming spirit that makes it easy for any man over 60 to join – in fact, all you have to do is ask. “I was just driving around,” says Steve Johnson, who moved to southwest Florida from Canada. “It looked like fun. I asked if I could join and they said ‘sure.’” Longtime league members say there’s one main reason the league has been so successful – the devotion and kindness of its dedicated founder. “Ray Tibbs is such a positive, enthusiastic, caring person,” says yet another league member, Dick Dodge. “I am proud to call him my friend.” For those on the fence about joining, Dodge encourages them to take the leap, revealing the league’s best part of all – it makes you feel like a kid again. For more information on the Ray Tibbs 60+ Softball League, call Scott at 239-703-3942

Our Play Philosophy


Our league is not a competitive league. It is a league where all 60+ men who enjoy softball can play the game. Therefore, we have some players who are very good and some who are not so good. We aim for exercise, fun, no stress and equal play for all. Therefore, unlike what you find in other leagues, we do not want some teams who are power teams and some who are weak teams. We aim for equality of team strength so that every player, when coming to the ball park, has a positive attitude thinking that they have a chance to win that day’s game. This adds to the fun. However, this is a difficult goal to accomplish and we struggle with team equality every year. But we shoot for this in the Ray Tibb’s League. One way we try to accomplish team equality is through the help of the Managers. We ask that they rate players at the end of every season so that we have an idea of each player’s ability. I use these ratings when putting rosters together for the next season in order to equalize talent among all the teams. However, there are problems with this. First is that every manager has a different quality idea of a player’s talent. So, for example, one manager may rate a player as an “A” while another manager may rate that same player as a “B”. Then, since we are all older men, there can be talent differences between one year and the next such that a player who was an “A” the previous year is now a “B” this year. Then there are the new players who come in every year. With these, I can only guess at their talent level. So, you can see that, try as I might, it would take a miracle and a Crystal Ball for me to make all teams equal. So, what do we do? Well, we all have a part to play if we want equal teams and equal play. My part is that with new players, I put them on a team for one game. Then I get the manager’s evaluation on their skill level. At that point, I place them on a team where they are the best fit. Of course, I can only do this with new players who come in after the start of the season and teams have played a few games. What is the player’s part? The player’s part is this: All players (except managers) must be willing to be moved to a different team to achieve team balance. Yes, it’s fun to win and not fun to always be losing. If you are on a winning team, think how your fellow players feel who are always on a team that is losing? If players don’t want to do this, then please don’t hold me responsible for team inequality. You as players have a responsibility to achieve team balance if that’s what you truly want. Bottom line: No matter what you as players choose to do, you all should be playing for fun, exercise, and love of the game. You should be encouraging every teammate and playing the best that you can. If you will adopt this attitude, then you will enjoy the process and not be so stressed about the final score which, if you think about it, is just an objective to shoot for but otherwise irrelevant. Food for thought. Scott

RAY TIBBS SENIOR MEN’S SOFTBALL ORGANIZATION RULES



All players must be men at least 60 years old.
All players must be responsible for their own physical condition, diseases and injuries.
All players must become league members by filling out and signing an application and paying a member/player fee.
If a man approaches any member/player and wants to play, send him to Scott to fill out and sign an application and pay appropriate fee and he will be put on a team. If a man plays without filling out and signing an application and paying appropriate fee, then he will be considered an illegal player and the team he plays for will forfeit that game.
Essentially, Organizational Rules are the application and statements expressed herein. No manager, umpire or player can change or alter any of these rules at any time. Any changes will come through Scott only. Any question about Organizational Rules, ask Scott #: 239-703-3942.

PLAYING RULES FOR RAY TIBBS SENIOR MEN'S SOFTBALL

2025 Playing Rules For Ray Tibbs Senior Softball
All first games start at 8:45 AM ( clock starts ). Players need to ARRIVE 20 MINUTES BEFORE GAME TIME
AWAY team gets out all field equipment (pitching screen, home plate, scoreboard, bulletin board etc) from Storage Building before first game. HOME team puts all equipment back after last game. Go around left side of building to the back, first door on the right. Our equipment location is against the wall on the right.
We play 7 inning games. We play two innings at a time before switching sides for the first 6 innings. The score is tabulated and bases cleared after 3 outs for each inning.
Maximum 5 runs per inning for first 6 innings. Unlimited runs in 7th inning and extra innings.
Tie games play one more inning. Batter gets only one pitch. The last batter to make an out in previous inning goes to 2nd base. He may be replaced by a courtesy runner.
Pitchers must use pitching screen. However, getting behind screen is pitcher’s option. Pitcher can field any ball.
First batted ball hitting pitching screen is a strike. Subsequent batted balls hitting pitching screen are dead balls.
Batters start out with a one and one count.
Once a batted ball hits the grass cleanly, the batter cannot be thrown out at first base. However, the runner going to 2nd base can be.
If there is a play at 2nd or 3rd base, the runner must avoid contact with the fielder. He does this by running wide of the base to the right or left, opposite side of the base from where the ball is hit and where the fielder should be positioned. The fielder need touch only the base, not the runner. If there is no play at these bases, the fielder stays off the base and yields to the runner.
Runner may run past 1st, 2nd or 3rd bases. However, runner may be tagged out if he decides to advance.
Runner is out if he leaves base before ball is hit.
Each team can designate 2 players to have courtesy runners from behind home plate per game. The players using a courtesy runner must be the same players the whole game but different players may do the running.
Courtesy runner may only run once per inning.
If a runner is on base when he is to bat he is out.
No intentional walks are allowed. Also, the infield cannot be moved in for any reason. Let’s show respect to all players and give all players a chance. Pool players can play any position designated by manager but they must bat after roster players in the batting line-up. Also, a courtesy runner may be used for a pool player who reaches base but a pool player cannot run for anyone else.
Managers ONLY to discuss umpire decisions.
Teams must have at least 7 players or the game is forfeited.
If less than 10 roster players show up to play AT GAME TIME, then that team will be limited to playing with only a maximum of 10 players unless a roster player(s) shows up during play. The OPPOSING MANAGER will pick the player(s) to play that game (up to 10 players). He must pick player(s) from his own team first if he has extra players and then from pool player(s). If a roster player shows up after start of game, he may play but the last pool player picked must be eliminated from playing in the field but he can still bat . Also, no pool player can be added to a team after start of game.

A pool player list will be established with A-D ratings for each player. Managers BEFORE DAY OF GAME can pick from this list to fill in for roster players not able to play. If they do so, they can field a team of 11 players. They must pick a pool player(s) WITH THE SAME OR LESSER RATING as the roster player(s) that will be missing. The opposing Manager CAN AND SHOULD ask for name & rating of roster player(s) missing and name & rating of pool player substitution.
All players are not permanent on any team. They may be moved by the organizer or managers to achieve team equity.

IMPORTANT: Your organizer is doing the best of his ability to provide a framework for equal, fair and honest play. However, my attempts are all for nothing if players or managers decide they want to cheat or manipulate to gain an advantage. So, my suggestion would be to think of the opposing managers and players with any decisions you make. Think what will help them have a fun and fair game. If you do that, all players will look forward to their game time and will look forward to coming to the ball park for fun, exercise and fair competition. After all, that’s what everyone is paying for and what all should expect.

NEW PLAYER RULES

2025 New Player Rules for Ray Tibbs Senior Softball All first games start at 8:45AM .(clock starts). Players need to ARRIVE 20 MINUTES BEFORE GAME TIME Batter running to first base must run to orange part of base (outside part) if there is a play at first. If there is a play at 2nd or 3rd base, the runner must avoid contact with the fielder. He does this by running wide of the base to the right or left, opposite side of the base from where the fielder is positioned. The fielder need touch only the base, not the runner. If there is no play at these bases, the fielder stays off the base and yields to the runner. Runner may run past 1st, 2nd or 3rd bases. However, runner may be tagged out if he decides to advance.
Runner is out if he leaves base before ball is hit.
Batter running home must go to the runners home plate located to the right of the batter's home plate. If Batter running home crosses the commitment line, he must continue home. If he goes back to third base he is out. Batter starts with a one and one count
Bat or field twice before changing sides, clearing bases after 3 outs
If batted ball reaches the grass without touching an infielder, the batter cannot be thrown out at first.
AWAY team gets out all field equipment (pitching screen, home plate, scoreboard, bulletin board etc) from Storage Building before first game. HOME team puts all equipment back after last game. Go around left side of building to the back, first door on the right. Our equipment location is against the wall on the right.


2025 RAY TIBBS SENIOR MEN’S 60+ WINTER SOFTBALL LEAGUE (Tues & Thurs) PLEASE PRINT Email Address______________________________________________________________
 Name____________________________________ Phone___________________________ Last, First Local
 Local Address______________________________________________________________ Street _________________________________________________________________________ City State Zip
 Name of Your Park or Condo__________________________________________________
 North Address_____________________________________________________________ Street North Phone # _________________________________________________________________________ City State Zip
 Expected Date of Arrival____________________ Date of Departure__________________ Position Played Last Season_____________ Preferred Position_______________
 Would You Consider Managing a Team? Yes______ No_______
 Do you want to be on Pool Player List? Yes______No________
 Our first game will be on January 9, 2025, League Fee is $70.00
Players may purchase league shirts for $16 and hats for $20. League Shirts are Blue (away games) and White (home games): Quantity_________ Blue______ White_____ Shirt Size______ Hat_______
 Please mail your application early as we have over 100 players and we need time to organize them into teams, lease the field, etc. If for ANY reason you cannot play BEFORE we start the season, you will get your league fee refunded. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR CHECK ( PAYABLE TO SCOTT MARINELLi ) WITH SIGNED APPLICATION AND MAIL BOTH TO: SCOTT MARINELLI 1207 SE 31st Ter, CAPE CORAL, FL 33904.
 I, THE UNDERSIGNED, ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I ASSUME ALL RISKS OF INJURY AND DISEASE DURING PARTICIPATION IN ACTIVITIES SPONSORED BY THE RAY TIBBS SOFTBALL LEAGUE. I AGREE TO HOLD THE LEAGUE AND ITS OFFICERS HARMLESS FOR ANY INJURIES OR DISEASE SUFFERED BY ME. I RECOGNIZE THAT THE LEAGUE DOES NOT CONDUCT PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS AND CERTIFY THAT I AM OF GOOD HEALTH AND PHYSICAL CONDITION SUCH THAT I CAN PARTICIPATE IN STRENUOUS ACTIVITIES SUCH AS SOFTBALL.
Date of Birth__________ Signature_____________________________ Date___________