Naples Man, 91, Defies Age on Baseball Diamond, Inspires Teammates and Opponents
NAPLES, FL – tony Esposito, 91, continues to play amateur baseball, proving age is no barrier to pursuing a lifelong passion. Despite battling knee pain, Esposito recently pitched scoreless innings and coached third base in a Hobbs World Series game, captivating fellow players with his skill and unwavering spirit.
Esposito’s dedication resonates beyond the baseball field, offering a powerful message about perseverance and the pursuit of joy at any age. As the oldest player in the league, he embodies a spirit of resilience that inspires teammates and opponents alike, demonstrating that physical limitations don’t have to define one’s ability to remain active and engaged.His story arrives as the population ages and more seniors seek fulfilling activities, challenging conventional notions of retirement and demonstrating the enduring power of lifelong passions.
Growing up without his father, Esposito credits baseball with helping him overcome life’s challenges. “Of all the mistakes I’ve made in my life,I conquered them and kept going,” he said. “And baseball is what’s helped me.” He currently plays in both Chicago and Southwest Florida,driven by a simple desire: “I just want to be able to play the game I love.”
opponents readily acknowledge Esposito’s impact. Steve overt, 78, of the Mudville Nine, remarked, “At 91, and I’m 78, that’s 13 years. You say: How does he do this? I mean he’s such an unbelievable athlete. And he has so much understanding of the game, the strategy.” Bill Smith, also of Mudville, added, “Age is just a number. That’s what you see when you see him. If I can still play at 91, I’d be so happy.”
Esposito isn’t slowing down anytime soon. He is scheduling a knee replacement for the winter of 2026, with plans to return to the field next fall. “I don’t ever want to stop,” he stated.”Growing up, I never wanted to stop. That comes from my heart.”
