MADISON, WI (SPECTRUM NEWS) — A softball league for senior citizens in Madison is turning 10 this summer.

The Greater Madison Senior Softball league started with eight teams 10 years ago, now there are 23 teams with a total of 250 to 300 players from around southern Wisconsin.

“I think most people are awfully happy just to be out here playing a game and getting exercise and making new friends as well as playing with their old friends,” said Ron Ramsden, the commissioner of the league.

Smart Motors sponsors the league. At the end of each year players come up with money to donate to the Madison Honor Flight and Smart Motors matches their funds.

People need to be at least 55 to play in the league and there are players competing well into their 80's.

“It's a good group everybody is out for each other, physical exercise, mental concentration, playing ball, it's all important stuff, keep healthy, you've got to keep going,” said John Cannarella, a 78-year-old first basemen.

The National Council on Aging reports that physical activity is essential to preventing and managing chronic diseases. The Council also reports that social interaction is key for elderly people too.

Both physical activity and social interaction are things that the softball players get every Wednesday and Thursday during the summer, playing through several physical ailments like joint replacements and arthritis.

“It just gives these people who thought they were done playing ball the chance to come out and exhibit their skills, or lack thereof, but in any case they're out there they're having fun, there's camaraderie,” Ramsden said.