James Ross, a softball slugger with the St. Benedict's Catholic Church team, has trouble finding a pair of softball gloves that fit because of his big hands. Typically when he does, they rip open. There's an abundance of power hitters in the West End Richmond Softball League.

James Ross, however, may be the only one qualifying for an AARP card, retirement benefits and the senior discount at Shoney's.

"I'm in awe of James; he carried us all year," St. Benedict's Catholic manager Trey Flinn said.

In the Westhampton-based league's 62nd season, it was slugging right-fielder Ross, 61, who drew loudest raves in leading St. Benedict's to the playoff crown and a second-place, regular-season finish (to St. Bridget's).

Flinn estimates the left-handed, cleanup swinging Ross hit "700-plus" in the playoffs with three homers and "a bunch of doubles."

After the title win over Ginter Park Presbyterian, in which Ross homered at Parker Annex, Benedict's senior swatter was named MVP.

"It was unanimous," Flinn said.

Fits like a glove: The 6-3, 275-pound Ross, in his 19th season with Benedict's, attributes some of his heavy hitting to his first pair of batting gloves.

When you wear a size-14 ring, like Ross, finding hand wear is like catching lightning in a bottle.

"I wear a triple-X, and you just can't find them," Ross said. "I finally found a pair this year, and they've made a difference."

But, alas, he noted: "They've already split."

Who's Who? The Benedict's roster shines with some top players. The 20-somethings include Ryan Cameron and Ryan Mace (former University of Richmond football players), Matt Bristow (recent James Madison baseball player), Johnny Junes (former Hampden-Sydney tailback) and Richard Bagby (former Collegiate School, Boston University basketball player).

"We've got a bunch of jackrabbits," Ross said. "I'm old enough to be the grandfather of many of them."

Background check: From Dilwyn in Buckingham County, Ross graduated from Carter G. Woodson High ("It was separate but equal then," Ross said) and Virginia Union University.

At VUU, Ross played only intramural sports. His physical education teacher was Willard Bailey, who would become one of the state's winningest football coaches at VUU, Norfolk State and now Saint Paul's.

Ross recalls weighing just 175 pounds as a high school senior, 190 at college graduation and 230 when he married (wife Phyllis), at 31.

"It's gone up and up since then," the South Richmond resident with a laugh.

Splitting time: A sure-handed outfielder with a potent throwing arm and surprising speed, Ross has been part of area softball since the early 1970s.

This summer has been especially rewarding. Along with the church squad, he's a mainstay for champion Spencer Brothers in Chesterfield's Wednesday Warbro League and for 60-plus Secure Horizons, winner of several age-group tournaments.

Don't let the fact he was born during the Harry Truman administration fool you. When Ross comes up, outfielders retreat.

"It's unbelievable how hard and how far James hit it," Flinn said. "And more than that, he's a great guy. Everyone on the team looks up to him."