In The News:

Never Too Late's 1,000th Wish:

BATTER UP
Grandma joins the big leagues


By Mike Rasor
mike.rasor@indystar.com

June 8, 2006

Fans arriving early to Wednesday's Indianapolis Indians game watched batting practice -- but not the kind they are used to seeing.

Mildred Monroe, 92, Indianapolis, stood in the newly chalked batter's box for 10 pitches from therapist Cory Thompson.

"She can hit the ball," Thompson promised.

With a sharp eye, Monroe laid off five pitches she thought were balls. The former youth softball player made solid contact on the last pitch.

"I'm 92 years old and still playing ball," Monroe said, smiling, as two therapists helped her walk off the field. "It feels great."

Regency Place of Greenwood heard about Monroe's dream to play at Victory Field and sent two therapists, including Thompson, to her home the past two months, for three hours a week.

Family members came to Victory Field from as far as Georgia to watch her. She became the Never Too Late Foundation's 1,000th person to have her wish granted.

Monroe almost died of a heart attack in 1991, but her doctors say her heart is now strong.

So what's next for the competitive great-great-grandmother?

"I don't know," Monroe said. "Either pitcher or catcher."

For more information on the foundation, call (317) 823-4705.



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