Nevada County softball fan Tom Myers was getting ready to celebrate his second wedding anniversary with his wife, Terri (both pictured).

The two had prepared for a romantic, secluded evening when Tom learned his softball team — part of the Gold Country Senior Softball Association — was scheduled to play their first play-off game that same evening.

Faced with this scheduling dilemma, Tom did the right thing. He sought guidance from his teammates on the Penn Valley Mini-Storage team, some of whom have been married for more than 50 years.

Team members suggested a compromise: If Terri would agree, the team would provide candelabras, candles, champagne and glasses to celebrate at the ball field.

Fortunately for the team, Terri Myers is more than a good sport, and she gave the plan her blessing.

That's why spectators of the game at Western Gateway Park on Aug. 25 saw a table set with lighted candles and chilled champagne behind home plate. It was there that Terri and Tom — along with Tom's teammates — celebrated the anniversary.

And, thanks to Tom's outstanding fielding and batting, his team emerged victorious.

That's what happens when romance meets softball.

Laurence Kaufman is a resident of Nevada City.