Rob Mitchell, commissioner of the Eastern Massachusetts Senior Softball League, says his introduction to the organization 10 years ago was fairly typical.

Then 60 years old, the Concord resident was aging out of his softball league but still enjoying the same passion for the sport. A teammate told him about the slow-pitch senior league, in which more than 400 players from 50 years old through their 80s compete in weekday and Saturday divisions. Umpired games are played in Framingham, Wayland, and Ashland.

“I drove by to check it out, and sure enough, it was highly skilled, competitive softball,’’ said Mitchell, who ran the Concord Festival of Authors throughout its 25-year history, ending in 2017. “The next thing I know, I’m on a team.’’

Founded in 1995, the senior league consists of over 30 teams in five divisions grouped by ability and somewhat by age. Most players have some softball experience, although their skills may have lain dormant for decades.

While players “don’t have to be Olympians,’’ according to Mitchell, they must be able to run to first base, after which time a pinch runner can be substituted. As a safety precaution, pitchers are required to wear face masks and may opt for a screen to block line drives. Dual first bases and home plates are utilized to prevent collisions.

Aside from regular exercise, Mitchell says the greatest benefit is developing friendships with individuals known for their field position rather than their current or previous profession. Teams are shuffled each year, enabling players to meet new teammates while reuniting with old friends on the other side of the field.

While players are encouraged to register this month, roster spots frequently open throughout the regular season which runs from May through October. New players, including women, are welcome and an effort is ongoing to recruit more minority players.

“We’re well aware that diversity is an important aspect of successful teams, and that sports are an effective bridge between people,’’ said Mitchell, noting that the league has held a weeklong “friendship series’’ in Cuba every year since 2009.

“You sign up to play softball,’’ he added, “but you also make 150 new friends.’’

For more information, visit e-mass.org.

Cindy Cantrell

Cindy Cantrell can be reached at cindycantrell20@gmail.com.