Senior Bad Catz overcome juniors in softball tourney

Most active women their age would prefer to play golf or tennis, but the Bad Catz senior women's softball team would still rather lace up some cleats, swing the bats and run the bases -- and the squad of Southern Nevada players do it all well.

The Bad Catz, formed two years ago, have excelled against players half their age and recently won their first national tournament against players a decade younger, at the SSWC Winter World Championships in Las Vegas.

"A lot of women think because you hit age 50 you can't play ball or be competitive, but as far as I'm concerned, we've completely disproved the whole thing," said Carol Ingram, founder and manager of the Bad Catz. "It's healthy and it's fun and we really enjoy it. A lot of us also run and lift weights, and it has motivated us to stay healthy."

The Bad Catz normally play in the 50-and-older division, but entered the 40-and-older division at the aforementioned event and proceeded to go 8-0, capping the championships off with a thrilling 13-12 triumph over the well-established Senior Saints squad from Phoenix in the title tilt.

With the game tied at 12, Ingram led off the bottom of the seventh inning with a double. Daisy Soto pinch-ran for her and scored the game-winning run on an RBI single by Orscine Jefferson.

"It was a rush. It was very, very exciting, considering we're a second-year team and the team we played against was a more experienced, strong and successful team," Ingram said.

The Bad Catz were led by tournament all-stars Soto, Charlotte Mitchell, Janice Hampton, Tracheta Irons and Sheila Powell.

Hampton was the team's top pitcher and one of its top hitters, while Irons, Soto, Powell and Mitchell all hit better than .900, with Irons reaching base every time.

"She hit 1.000. She was on base every time up and she also hit four home runs," Ingram said. "She was unbelievable. She's my pride and joy of the team. We've played a lot of years together."

Ingram also had high praise for Hampton on the mound, and Soto and Powell, who hit three homers, at the plate and in the field.

"(Powell) is one of our mainstays. She's a rock in the outfield. She's phenomenal to watch," Ingram said. "She's fast and graceful and she has an arm like a rocket.

The Bad Catz also feature Margaret Sievers, Sharon Rich, Gloria Gautieri, RuthAnne Schnaible, Paula Handrup and Linda Silver, with Jimmy Evans serving as head coach.

Ingram formed the team a couple of years ago for more competition and said a pair of other competitive senior women's squads have formed since then.

The Bad Catz placed second in last year's LVSSA event and the Las Vegas SSWC tournament and plan to travel to tournaments in Seattle, Tucson, Ariz. and Palm Springs, Calif., this year, among others, depending on finances. They'll also continue to compete in the city of Las Vegas softball league, at Lorenzi Park.

Experienced players interested in playing for the Bad Catz can call 645-0428.


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