By John Molori
MethuenLife Writer

Attention, all softball moms: Fun at the field is no longer limited to cheering on your kids. It's time to get off the folding chairs and into the game! Methuen's Better Late Than Never Softball League gives women 30 and over a chance to transition from spectator to superstar.
League commissioner Maura Watts talks about the league's genesis: "The idea came from watching my daughter Kasey play softball for St. Theresa's. This was in June of 2007. I would see all the same moms at all the sports. We've been watching our kids for years and wishing that we all could play again.
"We started the league in August of 2007, pulling a few teams together. It wasn't too hard to get players, but we were in unchartered ground in terms of field use and all that stuff. We now have eight teams and hope to expand to 10 next year."
As the league's popularity has grown, more women have slapped on the spikes and gotten dirty — as well as cold, wet and muddy — through these fall months. Says Watts, "Word of mouth has been the best way to publicize the league. Players have gotten their friends, neighbors and sisters to join. A percentage of players have never played softball. Others played when they were younger or in co-ed leagues around the area."
Karen Hayden is, perhaps, the quintessential Better Late Than Never player. She is married, has two kids and a full-time job as executive director for Methuen Community Television (MCTV).
"I played in the St. Theresa's league when I was a kid," says Hayden, who joined the league this season and plays for The River. "I wanted to see if I could still do it. There is such a good mix in the league and I've made a lot of new friends."
So, how did Watts and company come up with the league's unique moniker? She explains, "Stephanie Petrow and I would meet at Dunkin' Donuts because, well, there are a lot of donuts there and we love coffee. We knew we had to come up with a name. 'Better Late Than Never' came up and we went with it. I always use that phrase anyway."
The game itself is fun, but building a fledgling league involves some necessary bureaucracy.
"We work with Bill Pare at the Methuen Recreation Department and get the necessary field permits," says Watts, whose daughter Kasey now plays for Methuen Girls Softball.
"At first, we were just playing at the Methuen YMCA field, but this year, we're playing some games under the lights at Burnham Road. It gives players a different look. The fields in Methuen are booked solid in the summer, so our season runs from the end of August until mid-November. I don't mind playing at that time. We are a bunch of old ladies. We don't want to be roasting in the hot sun."
Once relegated to the role of cheerleader, these dynamic women have turned the tables and are enjoying their moments in the sun.
"We get great attendance from family and friends," relates Watts, who played softball for St. Theresa's and at Methuen High School (Class of 1979). "My daughter likes to watch my games, and then tell me what I did wrong ."
Hayden sees the league as an opportunity: "As moms, we watch our kids play for a long time. We want our children to see that we can also achieve something physical and competitive. It shows them that we can be active women and sets a positive example."
Watts explains the structure of the league: "There are eight teams in the league with 14 players per team. We play slow pitch, 6-foot to 12-foot arc on pitches, and use certified umpires. We play seven innings and there is a mercy rule if a team is ahead by 15 runs or more after the fifth inning. Tryouts are in May and coaches draft players based on their own rating systems. We also have sponsors for every team."
Beyond the rules, the league is about unity. Says Hayden, "The camaraderie is great, even with opposing teams. Sometimes, I'm pitching and the batter is someone I know. I want to say hi, but I have to be serious. We have a terrific time. Our team even hangs a sign on our bench that reads 'Welcome to the River.' "
Because of this positive environment, Better Late Than Never continues to attract players and fans. Says Watts, "New people join up every year and you don't have to live in Methuen to play. We have players who live as far away as Brighton. A lot of women join because they find playing co-ed softball with the guys to be too aggressive. It's not as much fun."
While this is a league for female players, there is a place for the guys — namely, on the bench.
"All of the coaches are men," says Watts. "If women were coaching women, there could be a cat fight. We have over 100 women playing. If women were also coaching, oh boy, we could have problems."
Since 2007, the level of play in the Better Late Than Never league has improved. Watts sees that continuing:” "Early in the season, there are a lot of blowouts, but as the season goes on, we get some really tight games. Coaches hold practices once a week either outside or at indoor facilities like Play Ball in Salem, N.H. We all pitch in a few bucks to pay for the indoor time."
The league has an informative Web site at www.betterlatethanneversoftball.com. League information and registration downloads are available online, but Watts still believes in a personal touch.
"We like to speak to each player so that we can see their skill level and place them on the right team. The cost is $50 per player, which includes a team T-shirt and equipment such as bats, pads, etc. At the end of the season we have a banquet and awards ceremony at the Claddagh Pub in Lawrence. We have food, dancing, drinking. It's a fun way to end the year."
Fun is the key to the league, but make no mistake, these athletes want to win.