BEMIDJI BONDS: Still rounding the bases

Five Bemidji area women do not let age interfere with their passion for softball as they continue to pursue their athletic past time.
Playing for their sponsor, Slim’s Bar and Grill, each athlete is above the age of 50 and have been playing together for many, many years.
Lois Anderson, 61, plays first base and is the executive vice-president of Security Bank USA. Anderson moved to Bemidji in 1983 with her husband, Scott, and have raised three children.
Pam Fransisco, 53, is a math teacher in Bigfork. She drives about 75 miles each week to compete with her fellow teammates.
Stacy Larson, 51, is the head cook for Central Elementary School. Her and her husband, Scott, have three grown children, including a daughter Emily, who has also played for the team.
Julie Brandt, 56, plays infield, outfield and catcher. Brandt has been a teacher for the past 34 years and has coached softball in the Bemidji school system.
Tammy Lindgren, 56, plays outfield and is a rural mail carrier for the U.S Postal Service. Tammy and her husband David live in the Laporte area and have one grown son.
Playing together the longest of the five are Lindgren and Brandt, who have been teammates for 30 years.
“Some of us didn’t have children when we started or our kids were young so its through the whole process of having kids, having our kids grow up,” Anderson said in explaining the team’s longevity and friendship.
“Stacy’s daughter plays with us now, Julie’s daughter played with us when she was in town, so it’s just been a multi-generational through thick and thin.”
The love of softball and friends is what keeps the team going, added Brandt.
“Of course, I like the game but I also love that I have such great friends and we play because we want this friendship to continue,” Brandt said. “It’s been quite a run for all of us.
“Lois always said maybe we’ll retire in Florida and take up a senior citizens softball league.”