The Colorado Peaches softball team hails from Denver and claims to be the oldest softball team in the country. Their matriarch and oldest player, Barbara Johnson, is the heartbeat of the team.
After a quick rain delay, the Colorado Peaches, who claim to be the oldest Softball team in the nation, took to the diamond at the Hy-Vee Multiplex in Grimes, Iowa. First at bat was the oldest player, 91-year-old Barbara Johnson, sporting some peachy-pink shoes to match the theme of her jersey. As the oldest player, Barbara has taken a maternal role on the team, even playing alongside two of her daughters. As Barbara swung her bat, the team cheered her on with encouraging shouts of “Come on, Mom!”
Blood-related or otherwise, Barbara is “Mom” to everyone.
“My teammates all call me mom. I don’t think some of them even know my first name,” laughed Barbara. She has been playing for the Colorado Peaches for four years but is no stranger to softball. When she was younger, she played on a team and then went on to coach. Now, she finds herself at the National Senior Games and absolutely loves that she can still play.
The Colorado Peaches team was founded over 30 years ago to fill the void of softball for older women in the area. The team champions their mission of inclusivity and unwavering commitment to physical activity by competing in the Senior Games.
Being the oldest in the nation comes with some unique challenges. At their age division, it is difficult to find other teams to play against. “Most of the time we go to a tournament, we have trouble finding competitors in our age group. It is harder since our opponents are often younger,” said Barbara. However, this has strengthened their team, making them used to opponents that may be a bit tougher.
Barbara’s favorite part about playing on the team is her teammates! “The Colorado Peaches is a wonderful group of ladies. They love softball and they make it fun,” she said. The Denver native has loved her time in Des Moines and is excited to be able to play against people from across the country.
By: Sydney Parker
