At 11 a.m. this Saturday, July 12, pitcher Fred Rodoni Sr. will take the mound against Pacific Slope at West Marin School Field.

It's not a huge game. At 2-0, Rodoni Construction is undefeated in this summer's West Marin Softball League, although it's still very early in the season. But win or lose, the day will belong to Rodoni Sr., the dean of West Marin softball, who on Saturday turns 80.

Around the league he's known as "old Fred" (although mostly to distinguish him from son Fred Jr.) and he's been on the diamond since childhood. The Point Reyes Station resident played in hardball leagues before World War II, softball ever since, and coached Little League teams for more than a decade.

"He's always been pitching," said son Dennis, manager and an outfielder for Rodoni Construction.

Said teammate Butch Schmitz, 43, of Lagunitas, "He's always the first one to arrive on the field, and the last to leave. He's an inspiration to all of us guys who think we're getting old."

"He's a total class-A sportsman," added leftfielder Mario Diego, who at 23, must play a few more decades before becoming a senior member of the team. Rodoni Sr. reacts to loss by readying himself for another game, Diego said, "and his attitude is so uplifting."

Despite his courtly behavior, however, Rodoni's teammates say he plays to win.

"He's fearless at the mound - and tireless to boot," said outfielder Steve Sammut. "He made an amazing play the other day. And I remember thinking, I hope I live to be 80 - let alone play softball!"

Schmitz explained, "He becomes a kid himself each time he crosses the lines of the diamond. It's amazing how much he loves the game."

Rodoni, who retired this year from his insurance office in Point Reyes Station, still pitches in with a lot of community service: as a Lions Club member, as longtime treasurer of the Point Reyes Station Village Association, as a board member of West Marin Senior Services, as a co-founder of the Tomales High Boosters Club, and as barbecue chef for the annual St. Patrick's Day feast at Sacred Heart Church in Olema.