By Danielle Rexrode
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

The Charlestown Sluggers came out swinging against rival Erickson community, Greenspring in a competitive, but friendly softball game held on Charlestown’s ball field. Nearly 350 people turned out to watch the event and cheer on the players.

“The game was centered on the celebration of the major league All Star game that was being played,” says Teresa Reymann, wellness manager of Charlestown’s Fitness Center. “It was a great opportunity to bring several of our communities together to meet new friends over a friendly, but competitive softball game,” she says.

Charlestown’s Rosemary Erdman played short stop and center field for the Sluggers. “It was a good time. I got a few base hits and had fun doing it,” she says.

This was third baseman and left fielder Berne Wheeler’s first softball game since moving to Charlestown from the Eastern Shore in January.

“This is a nice event and a great way to meet new people and make friends,” he says.

Umpire Christopher Rudolf was not surprised at how well the players fared on the ball field.

“Most people figure that you have to give up sports once you reach a certain age, says Christopher, Charlestown’s resident services coordinator. “These men and women prove every day that’s not true. A few years ago I witnessed a 60 and over team defeat a team of 20 and 30 year olds here at Charlestown,” he says.

The Charlestown Sluggers, joined by players from Riderwood, Charlestown’s sister community in Silver Spring, ultimately were defeated by a score of 16-2.