BAJ history
The Born Again Jocks (BAJ) was founded in 1984 by Arnie Johnson with the help of Siv Mancini, Tom Leaman and Gunnar Fors. Thirty one years before that date, Arnie had organized the Bloomington Athletic Association. Both the BAJ and BAA are based on the belief that if a boy (young or old) wanted to play a sport, he should play, without regard to ability and at an affordable cost. There are no dues.
BAJ is an organization for men 55 and over who want to participate once again in various sports for fitness and enjoyment.
Starting with the game of horseshoes, the BAJ’s quickly expanded into an active year round schedule of activities. Through the cooperation of Bloomington Community Education, the BAJ’s secured the fitness center as its winter facility, moving outdoors in the spring. In 1986 the BAJ’s became affiliated with the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Division’s older adult program, which handles administrative services for the BAJ’s.
In 2012 the sport of biking was added. Pickleball was added to the list of activities in 2017.
There are now over 600 members that participate in good natured competition with a spirit of friendship.
We welcome all men 55 and over to join us. You will become active, physically fit and enjoy the great bond of friendship that exists among this group of men.
Early version of BAJ Brochure page 1
Early version of BAJ Brochure page 2