The Boys of Autumn
Team T, or Top Gun, a team in the 58+ division of the Ponce de Leon Baseball League, won 13-5 on opening day on April 7, 2019. The team name is based on pitcher/first baseman #27 CJ “Heater” Heatley, 71, who is a former Navy pilot. His photography inspired the creation of the film and was used as reference throughout production. Most of the team is in their 60’s, playing every weekend from April until October before heading to Arizona or Florida for winter ball. There is a rich community of “old guy baseball” in the DC-area, attracting people to play a sport requiring physical hand-eye coordination. Their love for the sport keeps them coming back season after season.
Team T ultimately fell to Team Q 8-12 in the Ponce de Leon championship game on June 30, 2019. After a strong start going up 4-2 by the 4th, errors and walks plagued the rest of Team T’s game. An early injury to Kenny Griffin limited the speedy outfielder to batting-only. The bats were tamed by Team Q’s strong defense, who took away otherwise usual hits in the 58+ league. “They always seem to get us,” says CJ “Heater” Heatley III. Team T won their previous two contests with Team Q, but couldn’t figure out the winning formula for the championship.
It was an honor to be in the dugout with these guys for the last few months. They welcomed me almost instantly and are some of the most passionate baseball players and people I’ve ever met.
Read MoreTeam T ultimately fell to Team Q 8-12 in the Ponce de Leon championship game on June 30, 2019. After a strong start going up 4-2 by the 4th, errors and walks plagued the rest of Team T’s game. An early injury to Kenny Griffin limited the speedy outfielder to batting-only. The bats were tamed by Team Q’s strong defense, who took away otherwise usual hits in the 58+ league. “They always seem to get us,” says CJ “Heater” Heatley III. Team T won their previous two contests with Team Q, but couldn’t figure out the winning formula for the championship.
It was an honor to be in the dugout with these guys for the last few months. They welcomed me almost instantly and are some of the most passionate baseball players and people I’ve ever met.
