In Marshalltown, Iowa Rod Bailey’s establishment—the Old Timer Tavern—has become synonymous with 16-inch softball. During tournament weekends, it serves as the central gathering place where players, fans, and supporters come together to celebrate the sport, share stories, and enjoy the postgame fellowship that defines the softball community. The Old Timer Tavern teams have become one of the most successful and respected franchises in Iowa softball history by capturing the Clincher Classic, Bud Open, Cedar Rapids Hall of Fame, and Early Bird tournaments. In addition, an impressive seven Iowa Major State Championships and finished as runner-up six times and achieved national prominence. The 2011 and 2019 squads both finished runner-up at the SSA Major National Tournaments, while three other teams earned top five finishes at those prestigious events. In 2022, the Old Timer Tavern team made history by finishing third at the Forest Park No Glove Nationals, marking the highest finish ever by an out-of-state team in that storied tournament. In 2025 Chucks team, which he helped sponsor, captured the SSA Major National Championship, further cementing Rod’s legacy as one of the game’s most dedicated and impactful contributors.
