The Boys of Late Summer: One man’s irreverent account of competition and comradery among an oddly inspiring squad of senior softballers

by Jerry Miccolis

Twelve men, well past their prime, are on a sacred quest for one more shot at a slim slice of Winning a prestigious softball tournament against a bunch of equally time - ravaged old codgers from all across the country. Join this spirited squad of sexagenarians, the Jersey Boys, as they trek to the famed Cape Cod Classic, play like pros (well, play their hearts out, anyway), bond like brothers, and teach each other a thing or two about life along the way. Meet crafty Jimmy, the Machiavellian mastermind of sundry clandestine enterprises; bombastic Howie, the irrepressible clown prince and erstwhile mime; silent Steve, the research chemist recruited by the Mob; and gentle John, the patient, paternal pastor who could snap you in half if he had to. Root for them and the rest of this dauntless dozen as they battle creaky joints, reconstructed limbs, weak bladders, self-doubts, insult, injury, gravity, and Father Time. In defying the odds, the clock, and their own limitless limitations, they illuminate a profound In softball, and in life, it’s never too late.

174 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 14, 2020

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a generally enjoyable book about a team of sixty-five year old men competing in a championship series in Cape Cod in September 2017. The author did a good job describing the experiences of him team in that series and this book will be enjoyed mostly by others who have had the opportunity to have similar competitive experiences.

[Mike Hetherington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I play with (actually against) Howie, in two of our local leagues in Charlotte County Fl. Howie is the second baseman on the team in this book. The description of him in the book is spot on. I'm really enjoying this book and find it a very accurate description of the comradely involved in the senior softball community.