It cost the team $326.50 for the season, so we each pay $27. We've signed up for Thursday night games.
The league begins on August 16th, and we have 10 weeks of games.
We have 12 spots on the team (6 male, 6 female). These people pay the $27, and if they show up to a game, they are guaranteed to play. However, we can always use backup players, since people inevitably miss games. Also, everyone is encouraged to come to practice, regardless of whether or not you want to play.
On game nights (Thursdays) we'll play a game. Each game is 55 minutes long. Each batter comes to the plate with a 1-1 count (one ball, one strike). Unlike the winter season, this is NOT a one-pitch season. The games begin between 6:30pm and 9:15pm.
Each team can have as many players in the dugout as they wish. The batting lineup can have up to 12 people in it, 10 of whom are fielders.
We must have 5 men and 5 women on the field at all times (we have 4 outfielders). If the other team agrees, then we can have more women than men on the field. To be safe, we should always have at least 5 men and women at each game. We are allowed to play with just 9 people, but there is a penalty.
We supply our own equipment (i.e. bats, balls, gloves, etc). They supply the field, bases, and umpires. No helmets are worn. Cleats are allowed, unless they are metal. Also, all softball bats are allowed with a few exceptions (all of which are very expensive, I think). In this league, and apparently this is normal, men and women hit different balls. The men's ball is slightly larger. When a women is at bat, the pitcher uses a women's ball, and vice versa. The balls must be approved by the National Softball Association, and must be "COR 47 or less".
Basically all you, as a player, need to provide is a glove. A softball glove is preferable, although a baseball glove could work. If you are looking for a glove, the most important things to look for are comfort and a good fit. Also, your glove should measure at least 12.5" (this is usually printed on the glove).
The playing fields are Krieg Field and Havins Field. We practice at the IBM softball field. Directions to all of these fields are available from the main softball page.
There is a 0 homerun limit per game.
Players need to show up early for the games, as a lineup sheet has to be submitted to the umpire prior to the game. You need to contact Mitch a day or two before EVERY game and let him know if you will be there or not, so we can be sure that we'll have enough people. Missing practice is one thing, but we will forfeit games if we don't have enough people, and we did pay $326.50 to be in the league. So please don't commit to being at a game unless you will in fact be there.
If you have any questions, would like to join the team, or would just like to practice with us, then please let me know.
This page is maintained by Mitch Harding