MARYSVILLE — Softball is a game, but it is also an escape for some.

Many who play on Marysville’s Parks and Recreation men softball league play for just that. Wins are great but having fun as well as human interaction is more important. “These are a lot of my good friends I used to play with,” Darren Jones said. “It’s just an excuse for us to get together and have fun.”

Jones, 45, who works at Boeing, said he found his way onto a team by friends he knew. Getting outside to have fun and socialize is what keeps him out on the softball games played on Marysville-Pilchuck High School’s ballfields.

“Everyone can get together, face-to-face, have some laughs, outside Facebook or textmessaging,” he said. Austin Akau works for the city of Marysville and has been playing recreationally for Marysville since he was 18. The 31-year-old grew up playing baseball in Marysville and even up until Everett Community College

“I just come out to have fun with these guys,” he said.”I don’t care if we win or lose to be honest.” Kenny Jobe, 36, is a roofing salesman. He has played on many teams in the league.

“We’re real family,” he said, about how players have rotated among different teams.

Brian Kellam, 34, works as a supervisor at his job. He’s played softball a long time in Marysville as a means of “getting away from the real world.”