For Ray Lauring and Richard Mauer, the Palm Beach Senior Softball Association is much more than an athletic experience. It’s a means of staying young at heart and an activity that brings joy and satisfaction in their lives.

Lauring, who lives in Boynton Beach; and Mauer, a seasonal resident of Delray Beach, both still enjoy the sport at age 90. Another player, Chuck Rooney, is 89.

“It keeps me out of the house and it keeps me young,” said Lauring, who has been a member of the softball circuit for more than 25 years. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the association, which started out as the Boynton Beach Senior Softball League.

Games are at Caloosa Park in Boynton Beach, John Prince Park in Lake Worth and Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach.

Mauer has been with the league for almost 30 years. He loves the lasting friendships and the camaraderie of playing softball in his golden years.

“We have a great group and we have a lot of fun on and off the field,” Mauer said. “I love this game.”

In all, more than 30 of the league’s players are 80 and older.

The PBSSA also has several younger players in the program, including Jeff Ritter, Rod Biggs and Jeff Snook. There are at least 50 players under the age of 65.

Michael Rosenstein, 55, is a Wellington resident who joined the league only a year ago.

“I have met a lot of guys who have taught me a lot and they are very friendly,” Rosenstein said. “It’s like you’re a kid being out there.”

Tim Hand, 56, had not played softball for more than 20 years before heading back to the field and stepping up to the plate again.

“I have made a lot of new friends,” Hand said. “I have learned a lot and enjoy playing again.”

The PBSSA consists of three divisions and a total of 14 teams. The divisions are set up based on the skill level of players. The rosters not only include full-time area residents but also seasonal players from different states as well as Canada.

The league schedules more than 150 games during the year, with members involved in the diamond action three times each week. There are playoffs and pick-up games along with the regular-season slate.

“It’s great for the guys because they get the exercise and it keeps them active,” said Bernie Dombrowsky, who serves as the PBSSA’s administrative director and vice-president. “They really enjoy playing and we are proud of what we have been able to do.”

The PBSSA takes pride in its attention to safety, with protective features such as pitching screens and a defibrillator at each game. Also on hand at every contest is a CPR-qualified participant. The league also holds social activities, including an annual dinner, picnics and gatherings at sporting events.

“We all have the best time,” said Blattstein, who is in his 15th year presiding over the PBSSA. “We have formed great relationships on the field and we socialize with each other off the field.”

Barry Ackerman, a Boynton Beach resident, has been playing in the senior softball league for six years and gives special credit to those who run the league.

“All the directors are the secret to the league’s success. They give a lot of their time and effort to make the league so great,” Ackerman said.