A tournament was held in Oita City where baseball enthusiasts who were over 77 years old gathered, and they showed a lively play that did not make them feel age.
This tournament was planned by the Oita 60th Birthday Softball Baseball Federation to promote health for baseball enthusiasts who are over 77 years old.
At the venue, Oita Sports Park in Oita City, more than 130 athletes from eight teams aged 77 to 89 gathered from all over the prefecture.
At the opening ceremony, 86-year-old Yukiyasu Akamine, who lives in Oita City on behalf of the athletes, swore strongly, "I am delighted to be able to participate in the tournament. I pledge to play without injury."
In addition to the 7-inning system so that the match would not be too burdensome, the match was held with special rules such as 10 players and the match time was limited to 80 minutes.
In the occasional rain, the players showed a lively play that didn't make them feel age, such as hitting a strong hit or deciding to steal a base.
Mr. Mitsuo Sato, 82 years old, who lives in Hita City, who participated as a pitcher.
"I'm happy to be able to play a match with everyone this year," he said with a smile.