Give or take a decade of difference, there's 56 seniors in Western Nevada County that can play a mean game of stick ball.

In fact, they play so well their teammates in the Gold Country Senior Softball Association have voted for each of them to play in the league's annual all-star game this Tuesday at Penn Valley's Western Gateway Park.

With food, drink, entertainment and a free admission, it's the best value in town, says all-star director Jim Keck, who has been organizing the event for the last seven years.

"This helps Gold Country Senior softball," said Keck, who will also play in the game.

The game, which is split up between a 60 and older opener and 50-59 year-old nightcap, is a snapshot of the senior talent in this county, which in turn produces some of the best senior softball players in the country.

"More senior softball players from Nevada County go to national championships than anywhere else in the country," Keck said. "It's that or they are playing on national teams. We have guys that are playing on the San Francisco Seals, the California A's and Grumpy Old Men."

No pun intended.

Keck himself plays for the Reno Express and has won three golds, a silver and two bronzes at the World Senior Games.

"When you really understand the depth of the players we have here it's amazing," he said.

Of the available talent in the game will be The Union's publisher Jeff Ackerman playing in the nightcap.

In addition to the games, there will be a color guard at the opening ceremonies, a singing of the national anthem and Keck promises a couple of attempts at "Take Me Out to the Ball Game."

There will also be concessions available.

The games will start at 5 p.m. Tuesday at Penn Valley's Western Gateway Park.

To contact Sports Writer Zuri Berry, e-mail zberry@theunion.com or call 477-4244.