Senior Softball Players on the Nice List for Christmas

New clay for the infield at Winterberry Athletic Field.

A laser grader from JSM Services, Inc., contracted by the Home Depot Foundation, graded the existing clay and creating a positive surface drainage.

In October, volunteers from the Home Depot Foundation planted new trees along Peacock Terrace.

Senior Softball players feeling very merry about the Winterberry Athletic Field improvements.

The infield is usually flooded and unplayable during rain events; the new laser grade will help with drainage.

Posted Wednesday, December 31, 2025 7:00 pm

By Maria Lamb

On December 23, Jimmy Stamps from JSM and his professional grounds crew arrived at the Winterberry Athletic Field to improve the drainage to the infield prior to the January 5 start of the 2026 Marco Island Senior Softball League(MISSL) season. This was part of the Home Depot Foundation Veterans Project;Ed Caster and Tom Polston, Board Members of the MISSL, worked the final details with Danny Smith of the Home Depot Foundation. According to Tom Polston, in early June, 2025, the Home Depot Foundation learned that the Marco Island Senior Softball League has 54+ military veterans who are also registered players, and their presence in the league made these improvements possible.

JSM Services Inc. was contracted by the Home Depot Foundation to laser grade the infield and to solve the drainage problem. They usedcutting-edge technology to help with the issue. Usually after each rain event, the field would get flooded and unplayable for several days. JSM Servicesis a leader in athletic field construction and maintenance with over 25 years of experience. Their clients include sports teams from various schools and municipalities.

Laser grading uses state-of-the-art laser-guided equipment to create safe, level surfaces with positive run-off. JSM graded the existing clay and created positive surface drainage, which allows less rain-out with more playing time. And according to JSM, a smoother playing surface makes for a safer surface to play with fewer injuries.

On October 21st, volunteers from the Home Depot Foundation provided improvements to the Winterberry Athletic field,which included fresh paint on the concession stands, dugouts, booth, and storage areas. The landscaping was also improved with the planting of new bushes along the parking lots and new sod installed along the Peacock Terrace parking lot.New paver pathways and a bench were installed by the flagpole. To honor Marco’s retired military veterans, five medallions were added, honoring the five branches of the military service.

The Marco Island Senior Softball League is designed for players aged 55 and older (no age limit). The League was first chartered in 2005 to provide men in their senior years an opportunity to play competitive softball and foster the principles of sportsmanship, collegiality, and physical fitness.And yes, the league has senior athletic phenoms 85years and older, still actively participating for the 2026 season!