Mayor Bill Haslam will be on hand to throw out the first pitch Thursday morning as the Knox Senior Co-Ed Recreational Softball League celebrates its first season of play. 
 
The league's Grand Celebration is set for 10 a.m., August 14, in Caswell Park at 620 Winona Street. Parks and Recreation Director Joe Walsh will also participate in the ceremony which will include the league's players, coaches and board of directors.

The recreational league - which began play in April - is open to women over the age of 55 and males over the age of 60.

Players of all abilities and physical levels are welcome because the focus is on fun and exercise, though they do keep score. 
 
"The camaraderie and also health and recreation is the main focus," said Bud Nolan, who founded the league and serves as its director. "And you also get people who play in the competitive leagues too." 

The teams include both men and women and games are played at Caswell Park on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

Nolan earlier helped create a similar league for seniors in Brandon, Fl., before returning to Tennessee a few years ago. He said he contacted Haslam and Walsh about forming a senior league here and they helped to make it a reality.

So far 67 players, including 26 women, have suited up to play in league games. Other seniors are welcome to sign up and there is no cost to play.

More information about the league can be obtained by calling 215-1418. 
 
Nolan said he hopes to see more people take part in the league not only in Knoxville but in nearby communities.
 
"We'd like to see the program spawn teams in other communities and maybe we could have a tournament," he said.