Extra Innings: A Season in the Senior League

In 1989 the Senior Professional Baseball Association was inaugurated in Florida, enrolling players over 35 (catchers over 32) who had spent time in pro ball, preferably in the major leagues. The eight teams attracted some big names, including Ferguson Jenkins, Rollie Fingers, Vida Blue and Bobby Bonds. Following the league throughout its three-month season, freelancer Whitford discerned the athletes' motivations: quite a few of them needed money (there was a $15,000 salary cap), while others sought to recapture honor and camaraderie or simply to keep learning. Although four of the franchises folded after the first season (and the rest of the league recently), the participants had experienced, in Whitford's apt phrase, a ``life-after-death fantasy.'' Of great interest to diamond fans. Photos not seen by PW. (Apr.)