Baseball is widely considered America’s favorite pastime, and it’s no different at central Iowa assisted living and independent living communities.
That love of the game has taken on a unique twist with beanbag baseball, a fast-growing activity that brings energy and excitement to senior living communities. The Meadowview of Johnston Dragons are one of 24 teams in the Beanbag Baseball League of Central Iowa.
“The Beanbag Baseball League of Central Iowa is dedicated to fostering a joyful and inclusive environment where seniors and individuals with disabilities can come together to enjoy the game, embrace kindness and celebrate each person’s unique abilities,” according to the league’s mission statement.
The Dragons enthusiastically participate in the league’s spring and fall seasons, growing camaraderie and lifting the spirits of all who play and cheer them on.
How Beanbag Baseball Works
At least four players from each community make up a team, and they play four-inning games.
Instead of swinging a bat, players fling beanbags at a custom board from 15 feet away, or 10 feet away for wheelchair users. The board features a home run hole in the center, surrounded by two holes each for singles, doubles, triples, outs and one foul ball hole.
Each player throws three beanbags per turn. A fourth throw is allowed only if the first three bags either miss the board or land in the foul hole.
If no beanbags hit the board, that player is out.
Just like with traditional baseball, each team gets three outs per inning. There’s also a mercy rule, with no team allowed to score more than 10 runs in an inning unless runners are on base and the next hit pushes the total to 11 or 12 runs.
Why Beanbag Baseball Is a Great Fit for Senior Living Residents
Beanbag baseball is popular for many reasons, and it’s one of the most beloved activities among the active senior living communities Iowa offers.
Residents enjoy it because:
- Its similarity to cornhole—or bags, as some call it—makes it familiar and fun
- It combines physical activity, cognitive stimulation, gentle competition and socialization
- It creates camaraderie and friendly rivalry during practices and travel days
- It provides just enough challenge to build confidence and pride
From Spring Training to World Series
Residents practice for a few weeks before the start of each season.
“Some residents more than others look forward to practicing each week,” says Sydney, the activities director. “Some don’t think it helps at all and other take practice very seriously and even will come down on their own to throw practice bags to get just the right hole they are wanting. Games are for sure looked forward to by everyone!”
Each season lasts eight weeks, followed by the World Series: an all-day event featuring all 24 teams and lunch at one of the communities. Its single-elimination format means once a team loses, they are done for the day, but they still get lunch, so they don’t have to go home hungry.
Positive Atmosphere, Friendly Rivalries
Beanbag baseball provides a social event within an uplifting environment, complete with cheering, high fives and even a little ribbing.
“We try to cheer on the other team and congratulate them when they do something good,” Sydney says. “If they get a home run on us, we give them a hard time but then also give them high fives. There’s always a little friendly smack talk, but it’s all love.”
She adds that some players get really into it competitively, but remember—at the end of the day—it’s all for fun.
Terry’s Love for Beanbag Baseball
Terry was one of those players. He practiced two times a day every day and would be bummed whenever he got anything other than a home run. His league mates took notice of his passion and nominated him for beanbag baseball king, one of his proudest moments as a player.
Now in memory care assisted living, Terry still enjoys beanbag baseball whenever he gets the chance to play.
“We now play an adapted version with memory care residents,” Sydney says. “He lights up any time you get the beanbag board out.” His continued enthusiasm is a wonderful example of how meaningful programming supports residents in memory care in Johnston Iowa.
Resident Engagement and Response
Sydney says players and spectators alike enjoy beanbag baseball.
“Not only do players look forward to the game each week, other residents look forward to our home games so they can come watch and cheer,” she says.
Team members enjoy many aspects of beanbag baseball. Marlene, a member of the team, says one reason rises above the rest.
“The best thing about playing beanbag baseball is visiting other communities and realizing there is no place we’d rather live than Meadowview of Johnston.”
A Beloved Tradition That Brings the Community Together
Beanbag baseball is more than just another activity at Meadowview of Johnston. It brings residents together, strengthens friendships and adds joy and energy to everyday life. As the Dragons look ahead to their next season, the tradition continues to grow as a favorite pastime for seniors who simply love to play, cheer and be part of something fun.
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