Better late than never.

Robin Pinner this week reported on the Old Timers’ fast-pitch softball game held on July 4 in Newsoms.

Every year Newsoms has a parade, cookout and softball game to celebrate the summer holiday.

Many years ago, the community had a men’s fast-pitch softball league. The teams represented Newsoms, Courtland, Indian Town, Hunterdale, Joyner, Drewryville, Capron, Story Station and Sebrell/Sedley. The Fourth of July game includes players from that league.

Turning out this year were Murray Turner, Norman Lee, Brent Edwards, Blair Bunn, Leslie Everett and Mike Joyner.

Steve Newsome, Heath Bradshaw and Mason Story also took the field as well as local teens, who play fast-pitch. They included Kaylee Harris, Heather Bradshaw, Katelyn Newsome, Chelsea Pinner and Taylor Ward. All played 16U fast-pitch softball for Newsoms Athletic Association and were coached by Edwards and Newsome.

Everyone played for about an hour or so and just had plain, old good, fun. It brings back memories for spectators and players from days gone by.

Even Lee, the 70-year-old pitcher, could still windmill and throw the ball across the plate after a good warm-up. Turner and Joyner, both pitchers, also could still throw that ball. Edwards pitched an inning or two as well.

Maybe next year more old-timers will show.

• Nansemond-Suffolk Academy seniors Maggie Min Ni and Janet Goldback Ehmer; junior Savannah Simms; seventh-graders Will Hayes, Sidney Simms and Alyssa Lawrence; and fifth-graders Jessica Chang, Ellie Blount, Brian Smith and Declan Leavy recently participated in the Suffolk Spirit Flag project.

Held at the downtown Taste of Suffolk, the event featured more than 100 flags made by Suffolk school students. They will be on display at Suffolk’s Peanut Fest from Oct. 4-7 and then in the Suffolk Art Gallery.

GWEN ALBERS is managing editor of The Tidewater News. Her email address is gwen.albers@tidewaternews.com.