Softball Season
Spring is in the air and although it is still in the 40s here in Chicago, softball season is just days away!
Softball was invented in Chicago as an indoor winter version of baseball. It has since grown into a very popular sport, especially in the United States. It is hard to find a park without softball games during the summer in Chicago.
There are many leagues of various play, including 12 inch (with gloves), 16 inch (without gloves) and even 14 inch (a very soft ball usually played by co-rec teams). The leagues range from ultra-competitive (semi-pro) to ‘over 50′ beer leagues.
My introduction to league play came through a co-rec work team. We played with a 14-inch ball, often called a mushball. In most co-rec leagues, men and women must alternate in the batting order. We were horrible, often losing many more games than we won, but we did have fun. I played a lot of positions, but none too well, until I was converted to a pitcher. As our company shrank, due to fiscal cutbacks, it became increasingly difficult to field a team. After our 5th season, we disbanded.
Fortunately for me, I hooked up with (fellow GT’er) Louie Atsaves’ men’s team as a backup. After a few years, I became the regular catcher. Usually we play 16-inch softball in the summer and 12-inch softball in the fall.
We are a competitive team, usually making the playoffs, although never winning the championship. I have broken a few fingers and a few other bones. I have struck out and been picked off base. However, I have also gotten key hits along the way.
I really enjoy playing and seeing the guys. Over the years, many have gotten married and now some of their kids are at the games (I swear Louie’s 7-year-old is going to take my spot any day now). As we get older and life gets busier, softball often is one of the few times every week when I can totally relax.
One great thing about softball is that it really can be played by almost anyone. There are so many types of leagues out there, you are sure to find a good fit if you are interested. I have played in many types and have enjoyed all of them.
-John Wroblewski, distribution specialist
April 30th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
We all know that “semi-pro” baseball is the same thing as softball right?
April 30th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Oh how I miss playing in a softball league. I travel too much for work to make or keep that weekly commitment. I am afraid my playing days are over, as I age and soften. And it is even harder seeing the team play on without me.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
The unlimited arc ruins the game. It becomes a circus show. But you are right about the relaxing part. It is a pure slice of Americana.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
Work leagues are such a blast. It is a great way to build relationships within a company. I love our team. The spouses usually bring the kids. Each game is almost like a company picnic. We leave work behind and just have a good time.
In fact, I would like to issue a challenge to GT’s staff, our company against yours. Bring it on!
April 30th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
I play in a 16 inch corec league. I despise 14 inch mushball. Our league has a lot of good women (and no, we aren’t big, hulking women either). My team is in on the GT softball tourney. Let’s go.
May 1st, 2008 at 9:18 am
I used to think softball was just for men who couldn’t play baseball anymore and for women. I was wrong. I do agree with the points about having a work softball team. It really builds teamwork in and out of the workplace.
May 1st, 2008 at 10:12 am
We could not have a team in a league due to time constraints. Our solution was to have company softball games a few times a year. Great fun and a real morale builder.
May 1st, 2008 at 10:46 pm
I have settled for coaching my girl’s softball team. I still get to hit a few in batting practice. It’s all good though. The girls have a lot of fun, win or lose.
May 2nd, 2008 at 11:41 am
John….”the” does this count as a response? hahahah