We're In Tears Over This Text Message From A Softball Team's 81-Year-Old Teammate

September 16, 2025

A woman recently shared a text her husband’s 81-year-old softball teammate sent to their group chat — and it’s bringing millions of viewers to tears.

81 year old man texts to teammates softball
@s.evanz

Her husband and the rest of the team are all much younger, middle-aged men, yet they’ve welcomed this older man to play alongside them. One night, at 2:30 a.m., he sent a message.

In it, he thanked the team for letting him join their games. He admitted he’s aware he might not contribute much, but being included gives him a reason to get out of bed every morning.

81 year old man texts to teammates softball
@s.evanz

81 year old man texts to teammates softball
@s.evanz

"I don't know if I will get another year in the league or not. I don't buy GREEN bananas anymore. But I do know, this will be the year of ball play I remember. All because of 14 great people."

The TikTok post has racked up over 14 million views, with thousands of people flooding the comments.

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@s.evanz

It’s a beautiful reminder that inclusion, kindness, and friendship have the power to transform lives—at any age.