This summer, The Bristal Assisted Living partnered once again with the New York Senior Softball Association (NYSSA) to host its annual The Bristal All-Stars Senior Softball Game, bringing more than 40 players, ages 80 and older, together for an afternoon of competition, camaraderie, and a shared love of the game.
The 2026 event carried a special connection to baseball history. Fifty years ago, the New York Yankees and Cincinnati Reds faced off in the 1976 World Series. This year, players took the field at Cantiague Park in Hicksville wearing Yankees and Reds caps, creating a fitting nod to that memorable matchup while continuing a tradition that has been part of The Bristal for nearly 20 years.
Playing the Game They Love
Despite the summer heat, the players came ready to compete. For them, the game was about much more than stepping onto the field. It was an opportunity to connect with longtime friends, celebrate community, and continue doing something they’ve loved for decades.
Kerri Winans Kaley, Senior Regional Director of Business Development for The Bristal, emphasized the importance of supporting opportunities that promote both physical and mental wellness.
“One of the things that we really focus on is longevity for our seniors and having people really try to live their best life,” Kerri said. “Being independent is so important, not only for mental wellness, but also for physical wellness. The fact that these people are out here, and we can support that effort, speaks to the things that we do within our communities.”
Camaraderie is Key
Among the players were two women, one on each team. Patricia K., who has played alongside the men for more than 20 years after first taking up softball in her 20s, spoke to the sense of connection that keeps her coming back.
“Being able to be here physically, with all of these people… We really fight to the death and we really want to see everybody succeed,” Patricia said.
For 86-year-old Yankees manager Sam Q., who has played baseball since he was seven, the game is as much about community as it is about competition. After retiring from a career as an interior designer, Sam continues to fill his time with softball and bowling.
“The camaraderie is really key,” Sam said. “Playing ball is wonderful, and we do what we can with the ability we have, and you make friends for the rest of your life.”
An Inspiration to All of Us
The Bristal partnered with the New York Senior Softball Association, the Nassau County Department of Human Services Office for the Aging, and the Town of Hempstead to bring the annual event to Cantiague Park. Families, friends, and local officials gathered to cheer on the players and celebrate a tradition that continues to bring the community together.
Jules Balistreri, commissioner of the New York Senior Softball Association, knows firsthand what the game means to its players. “They come, they enjoy, they have lifetime friends,” he said.
Debbie Pugliese, Deputy Commissioner of the Nassau County Office Department of Human Services Office for the Aging, echoed that sentiment, telling the players, “You guys are so dedicated. It is truly an inspiration to all of us.”
