MY DAD… 89 AND STILL IN THE GAME March 19, 2007

George Cushing, Coach and Manager of Bru’s Room Sports Grill senior softball team, and Field Coordinator and active participant in the Boca Raton Senior Softball League, http://brseniorsoftball.blogspot.com, was honored last Thursday evening at the League’s Annual Dinner/Dance… first, with a Roast and then Dad was presented with a plaque proclaiming him "the person most instrumental in the creation, development and success of the League... and for his tireless dedication, inspired leadership and unparalleled commitment”.

Georgie (as he is known to his family and closest friends), who turned the ripe young age of 89 in February, was key in forming the new Boca Raton Senior Softball League four years ago when a he and a number of his league-mates were unhappy with their existing league. He led his teammates to do whatever was necessary to get the new league up and running… obtaining bank accounts, ball fields, sponsors, uniforms, and recruiting players, etc. for “his” new League to be a success. His energy has always been and continues to be unrelenting! (Ask Mom!)

My Dad has been involved with and playing softball on and off since his teens, and would tell us stories about the days of playing “stickball” in the streets of the Bronx. When he and Mom (Flossie as he calls her), arrived in Delray Beach ten years ago, he did not pass “GO” nor did he collect $200.00, but headed directly to the local ball fields to find a senior softball team … the players on the field could not believe he was 80 years old and playing better than players in their 60’s and 70’s.

George played a few years till he just couldn’t play anymore and by age 84, with softball and leadership in his blood, he naturally took on the positions of Team Coach AND Manager. This was actually a concession to giving up the Commissioner position when Mom put her foot down and said… “No traveling for you, Young Man!”

Although not quite old enough yet for the “Smucker’s” jars, at age 89 you can find Dad at Boca Raton’s South County Park every Tuesday and Thursday morning all year actively coaching and managing his team and leading the League. According to George, their League is the "talk of Florida" and of course, he tells me "Everyone wants to be on MY team!"

My Dad, truly an inspiration to young and old, was honored last week by his friends and League-mates, when they officially renamed the Boca League, the George Cushing Senior Softball League. I am so proud of my Dad… He is 89, and still truly in the game.

Maris [Cushing] Tain

AND THEN THERE’S MOM… (never an afterthought, but saving the best for last!)

It’s time to honor Mom as the person most instrumental in the creation, development and success of keeping Dad “down”, under wraps, and focused on anything other than the softball league.

Mom, I honor you for your tireless dedication, relentless spirit, and unparalleled commitment to our family and particularly Dad… and believe me, this is even a bigger achievement than Dad’s softball league.

I honor you for putting up with him, for your persistence in trying to “normalize” him, and most importantly for loving him as you have done for over 65 years.

You have been the inspiration that has kept him safe and (almost?) sane!
You are absolutely amazing in my book and I love you!