A true (golden) boy of summer

When Al Panitz arrived for the annual seniors vs. politicians softball game at Cashman Field two years ago, he found out he'd been traded. His senior buddies should have known better.

"They traded me to Governor (Bob) Miller's team for a half a can of cream soda and a couple broken pretzels, but they were sorry," Panitz recalled. "I made the catch that ended the game and helped the Governor win.

"They didn't trade me last year."

The bottom line is the 73-year-old Panitz just loves the game of softball. He is president of the Nevada Softball Hall of Fame, and the executive vice president of the Las Vegas Senior Softball Association. If that isn't enough, he also manages the 70-up team at Sun City Summerlin and plays first base.

He can be found every Tuesday and Thursday playing in Sun City's recreation leagues, in addition to touring the country for national senior tournaments. For Panitz, as well as his fellow softballers, it's become a way of life.

"It's the camaraderie," he said. "We have almost 200 seniors in our program. I really think it keeps us alive. We've found we have very few guys who come down with serious illness. People should see us play. I think it would amaze them."

Panitz, who had a tryout with baseball's New York Giants in 1939, had been away from softball for many years before getting back to the game a few years ago.

"I had moved to Brentwood, Calif., after my wife died, and I saw one of those public-service announcements," he said. "Actually, I hadn't played in 40 years. At first, it just filled the bill for me, now I'm heavily involved in the game."

His involvement includes running national senior softball tournaments in Las Vegas every spring and fall. When not on the field, Panitz is on the go, seeking sponsorships and lining up participating teams. His efforts have paid off, as Panitz has enlisted support from entities such as Del Webb Communities, Inc., the Las Vegas Convention Authority, FHP and numerous hotels.

The fall tournament (Sept. 28-Oct. 6) will include teams from Alaska, New York, Florida, Michigan, California and Nevada.

Aside from the tournaments, Panitz said he is always looking for more participants in the senior recreation leagues.

"Talents do deteriorate, let's face it," Panitz said. "But it really doesn't matter for our recreation leagues. The important thing is we get together, enjoy ourselves and have our laughs. We are constantly looking for new members. We have a lot of teams and there's always room for more."

Panitz has been slowed by recent knee surgery, but don't think that will be enough to keep him from getting out and enjoying his favorite pastime.

"That has kept me down a little," he said. "I guess you just don't recover at 73 as you did at 19. But my batting eye is still good."

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