MEMORIES
Michigan Mavericks, the Oldest Women’s Senior Softball Team. Kay Oswait, 90-years-old was the coach and Jerry Gawara, at the time was 92-years-old. Kay just passed away three weeks ago after suffering from cancer for 12 years. The Michigan Mavericks are from Garden City, Michigan.
Kay Oswait was born in Brownsville, Pennsylvania. She played fast pitch, modified fast-pitch, and then slow-pitch softball. She was a pitcher, catcher and outfielder. She began playing senior softball in 1989. She was manager and player despite some major health issues. She had a fall in 2007 resulting in a fractured hip and thereafter became the manager of the Mavericks 75+. Kay is one of those pioneers that paved the way for all the younger female players.
Kay wrote about Jerry Gawara – She is now 91-years-old and would still be playing if we had enough players over 80 to play In 1988, Jerry played shortstop in the Women’s Senior Olympics in St. Louis. One of Jerry Opponent wrote, “I had the privilege of playing against her (Jerry) as well as with her. She played various positions but noted for her stamina with her pitching. She was a good hitter. Jerry’s personality is one of graciousness and humbling demeanor. She is competitive, but in a civil way. She cares about others on the team and opponents. Because of Jerry, Judy Lee had the pitching rule changed to allow her to pitch 2 innings, rest, and then come back into the game; plus allowing 12 players on the field for this age group.
Judy Lee Schreiber wrote, “They (Jerry and Kay) are an inspiration to all of us younger ladies and they keep us on our toes because they are not sitting at home twiddling their thumbs.” Kay is the one that always said to me, “NEVER give up on helping the Senior Women to play ball. “ She was my encouragement all of these years. I loved this lady. She is one in a million.”
Below is the Women’s Softball Tournament Schedule for 2015. If you happen to live or happen to be in one of these cities during tournament play, please stop by and cheer them on and welcome them to your city.