NYC's Oldest Softball Team, 'Consenting Adults,' Still Swinging After 44 Years

For 44 years, the co-ed softball team known as Consenting Adults has gathered weekly in Central Park, a testament to enduring friendship and a shared passion for the game. Founded in 1982, the team is believed to be the oldest of its kind in New York City, with a legacy built on camaraderie, perseverance, and a commitment to remembering those who are no longer with them.

Founding members like Willi Blumer, 83, Ed Campbell, 77, and Greg Czuchlewski, 71, have been with the team since its inception. Czuchlewski, the team's statistician, meticulously tracks their history, noting that the team has played approximately 448 games since 1982, with over 135 individuals having participated at least once.

The team's origins trace back to 1982 when Blumer, Campbell, and Czuchlewski joined a new team started by Scottish-born travel writer Robin McMillan. The name "Consenting Adults" was reportedly inspired by a marquee McMillan saw in Times Square. In those early days, the team was young and fast, not envisioning they would still be playing decades later. Their early years were marked by a friendly rivalry with the Boat Basin Bombers, with games against them serving as a season highlight.

A Field of Their Own

Consenting Adults has never secured an official practice or game space, navigating the challenge of obtaining Central Park permits by consistently relocating to different fields. For 44 years, they have played on various open spaces, often incorporating natural obstacles like tree trunks and slopes into their games. This unconventional approach has made them a unique fixture in the park.

While there are no official umpires, teams call their own plays. The atmosphere is relaxed, with pitchers softening throws for younger players and allowing for a more inclusive experience. "You don't have to hit well," said Campbell. "You just have to know how to get the ball into the trees."

More Than Just a Game

The team's true spirit extends beyond the diamond, centered around their post-game tradition at The Dive Bar on 96th Street, their longtime sponsor. This gathering has become a vital support system, a place where teammates have celebrated weddings, navigated breakups, and helped each other through life's challenges. Czuchlewski humorously describes the team as "a drinking team with a softball problem."

Newer members, like Michael Titowsky, 70, who joined in 2008, and Terence Hanrahan, 67, who joined in 2007, have found a strong sense of belonging. They share stories ranging from batting slumps to personal news, reinforcing the team's role as a supportive community.

Honoring the Past

The team has also faced its share of losses, with seven former teammates having died since the team's founding. Consenting Adults honors their memory by continuing to play. When a teammate's husband passed away, a significant number of players attended the memorial service. After the pandemic halted play for two seasons, the return of the team was somberly marked by the news of another member's death.

The passage of time is an opponent the team cannot overcome. Blumer, who pitched until he was 82, had to step back due to health reasons. Campbell has also experienced health challenges, including hip replacements and cancer surgery, but remains optimistic about returning to pitch.

Carrying the Legacy Forward

Despite the aging of its original members, Consenting Adults continues to welcome new players. Thirtysomethings now play alongside the veterans, with some recruited on the spot. Carol Baird, 69, the team's catcher and one of its few original female players, now sees a significant female presence on the roster. She notes, "This is my team and these are my friends. It's a great thing to find in New York that you can still keep playing softball at any age."

The commitment to the team remains strong, with players like Czuchlewski expressing no plans to stop, emphasizing the youthfulness the game brings. The enduring message is clear: even when physical limitations arise, showing up for the team, especially at their post-game gatherings, is what truly matters.