Tuesday and Thursday mornings, cheers coming from the fields of the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center can be heard in the parking lot a block away. The noise isn’t from the youth intramural sports that are frequently played at the center.

No, it’s all due to the Young Viejos, a softball team of 40 men age 65 and older. Hundreds have played on the Young Viejos for the last 15 years, since the Youth Center was renovated in 1997, and it’s clear there’s no deficiency in gusto.

The team’s composition is diverse. Its military veterans include Tony Snetro, who served in the Navy in World War II. He’s been on the team from the beginning and is its oldest player at 95.

“I’m the only original left, and I won’t stop coming anytime soon,” said Snetro, who needs no assistance on field. He runs the bases, hits the balls and plays right field.

“I’ll be playing with the Young Viejos until I die,” Snetro said. “Because I am retired and no longer have much to do, playing softball with the team is something I look forward to.”

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