A Growing Tradition: Amish and Non-Amish Softball Games in Pinecraft, Florida
Despite being under the weather, I attempted a playful title for this story: “The Amish in Pinecraft, Florida – a fascinating and dynamic Amish community event.” Now, let me share the full story: The Amish community in Pinecraft, Florida, has developed a distinctive tradition of engaging in softball matches against local non-Amish teams. This event marked its seventh consecutive year and has gained notable media attention, including coverage from a local news station and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
The Growing Popularity of the Event
Over the years, the event has expanded significantly. Currently, there are three Amish teams competing against three non-Amish teams, making the competition more spirited and engaging. The matches have become quite competitive, but the primary goal remains community bonding and charitable fundraising – all with a friendly spirit of camaraderie.
The Teams and Community Support
The Amish teams hail from Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. As depicted in photographs, Amish spectators fill the stands, especially during the colder months when Pinecraft attracts many part-time Amish visitors from traditional Amish regions. The event has become a local highlight, fostering a sense of unity among diverse groups.
Background and Significance
The Herald-Tribune provides insight into the event: The seventh-annual Softball Showdown was organized between the Sarasota Seniors and the Amish All-Stars, featuring three games between the local league and teams from Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana. Proceeds from this event benefit the Gator Wilderness Camp School, an educational program dedicated to adolescent boys in Southwest Florida. What started as a casual game between seniors and visiting Amish and Mennonite players has now evolved into a highly anticipated community event, attracting over 600 attendees.
Moreover, this year’s festivities received official recognition from Sarasota County, with a proclamation designating the last Wednesday of February as Amish-Sarasota Senior Games Day. This milestone underscores the event’s growing importance and community value.
Memorable Moments and Media Coverage
A memorable photo from previous years shows a familiar face, possibly a regular participant, capturing the fun and camaraderie of the games. Thomas Bender and the Herald-Tribune have documented the event extensively, including a video recap by YouTuber Candace McGovern, who captured the Pennsylvania Amish team in action.
Fundraising and Community Engagement
The event also serves as a vital fundraiser for local causes. The Gator Camp boys performed the national anthem during opening ceremonies and distributed raffle tickets for prizes such as gift certificates to Pinecraft Ice Cream Shoppe, free e-bike rentals, and other goodies. Tyler Yoder, the camp’s barbecue fundraising coordinator, expressed enthusiasm about the overwhelming community support. He remarked, It’s inspiring to see familiar and new faces supporting our cause. For us, as a nonprofit, this event is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness and funds.
The Amish Teams and Their Journey
The Amish teams traveled from their respective states to participate, lodging with friends and family within Sarasota’s local Amish community. Their attire is distinctive, featuring suspenders, button-up shirts, trousers, and well-groomed beards, though they do not wear formal uniforms. Despite limited practice time, often just once or twice together, the teams demonstrated excellent coordination and skill during the games. For example, Paul Miller, the Ohio team’s catcher and a key hitter, managed to hit the first home run of the game, showcasing the deep-rooted baseball skills in the Amish community. Miller reflected, You don’t always need to win to have fun; the journey and the experience are what truly matter.
Despite not securing back-to-back wins, the 17-hour drive from Mount Hope, Ohio, was well worth it for the camaraderie and fun.
Capturing the Moment
Below is a still shot from Candace McGovern’s video showing an Amish player about to make contact with the ball, exemplifying the spirited and competitive nature of the game.