FREEPORT — Youngsters have occupied Swartz Field throughout the 17th annual Freeport Invitational, but Thursday night gave their elders a chance to chase down fly balls, dig their cleats into the batter's box and reignite their passion for America's pastime.

The Old-Timers Game has become part of the tradition at the Freeport Invite and often draws a big crowd.

Thursday was no different, as hundreds were seated in the bleachers of Swartz Field. And the fans were greeted with entertainment on and off the field.

Frank Collins — who had a stint with the Steelers during his career in the NFL — was part of the team that suffered a 10-3 loss. However, he didn't take the defeat without giving some playful grief to longtime umpire Paul Tarpay.

A few batters after being pulled from the mound, Collins approached the plate with a cell phone in hand. The game's announcer, Dave Brestensky, explained to the crowd that Collins found the umpire's phone, "and wants to let him know that he's had about eight missed calls tonight."

The humor drew laughter from the fans, and Collins later admitted it was Brestensky behind the wisecrack.

"I'm not that witty when it's this hot," said Collins with a laugh. "I was all for it, though. It was great for him to think of that.

"I'm like a big kid. I can't do anything without a joke. Even when I played pro, I joked. They always told me to get serious, but you can't play in the NFL for 10 years and not be serious," added Collins. "You just have to enjoy what you do."

That's a lesson the Freeport Invitational tries to express to its players.

Collins, who resides in Sarver with his fiancee, was playing in the event for a second time and said he "really enjoyed it."

However, it's tough to argue that anyone adored the experience more than Japan's Kengo Takeno.

Takeno brought the first Japanese team to the Freeport Invitational in 1996. Overall, it was his fifth time at the event and Thursday marked his second appearance in the Old-Timers Game.

"I really had fun. Baseball was born in the United States and this is kind of our dream — to play baseball in the United States," said Takeno. "It's one of my dreams come true."

It was easy to tell Takeno genuinely enjoyed the experience, and even more so, the support for his home country.

"This atmosphere is friendly. I think everybody here loves baseball," he said. "Many people pray for the Japanese people after the earthquake and tsunami and I want to thank them for that. I really appreciate that."

The Old-Timers Game attracted plenty of fans, but Freeport Invitational founder Ralph "Sonny" Westerman thought it could have been an even bigger event if the temperature was a little more tolerable.

"If it wasn't so hot, this place would be jammed tonight," he said.

The fans who did make it to the game included some high-profile names like Pittsburgh Steelers great Robin Cole, who donned the black and gold from 1977-87. An NFL presence was also supplied by head linesman Tom Stabile.

Former Pittsburgh Pirate Frank Thomas, who finished fourth in the 1958 NL MVP race and was a three-time All-Star, was also in attendance. He handed out autographed photos to fans of all ages throughout the game.

"I really enjoy watching the kids and the old-timers play," said Thomas. "Sonny is a great guy and the people here are very nice."

Outside of the sports world, state representative of the 60th legislative district Jeff Pyle enjoyed the festivities as well.

"The reputation of the tournament has always been outstanding, and it keeps getting bigger and bigger," said Pyle. "They get their little cultural experiences going and that's what it's all about — for the love of the game."

Notes: The two teams were comprised of coaches from the 25 teams at the Invitational, along with other ballplayers from the area. ... Swartz Field will host a home run derby today at 6 p.m.