Just the Beginning

As I'm getting this Women's Fastpitch League together in Oklahoma, there has been a flood of excitement. But, with that, a lot of memories have come back to me. I passed by my old high schools baseball field, lights lit up, remembered sitting on my front porch looking at those lights listening to the sports announcer, followed by the cheer of the crowd.

I remember begging my mother at the age of 4 to let me play softball and the sadness that overwhelmed me when she said no. Then later, when I turned 5, the sheer joy when she finally said yes, Each year the love and anticipation for the game grew. And, now, twenty-four years later, the familiar butterflies I get before every game I play. :)

With the rush of adrenaline that comes with softball, there is just as much tranquility with the sport. It's time to gain the feeling again and to keep it going.

Contact me for more information on how
okc-tornado-alley@hotmail.com

I Believe In Softball

I believe in competition and camaraderie. I believe in brackets, bubble gum, and bang-bang plays. I believe that attendance and preparation win games. I believe there is more to being a good batter than just being a good hitter. I believe in being relaxed on defense until the batter lifts her front foot. I believe it's ok to use defensive shifts to play the odds, and head games. I believe in taking my turn to coach the base across the field from our dugout. I believe in checking on the condition of injured opponents. I believe players should applaud opponents after they make great defensive plays. I believe players can get better with age. I believe taking winter BP with a cheap bat helps to hit summer homers with an expensive bat. I believe in running out routine grounders and lazy fly balls, no matter how frustrated I am. I believe it is better to be a smart base runner than a fast one. I believe in the nervous anticipation of a play at the plate. I believe in the magical moment of recognition after contact on a "no-doubter" home run. I believe in catchers who talk junk and pitchers who throw it. I believe in infielders who think getting dirty is part of the job description. I believe in fast outfielders who do not hug the lines or play to deep. I believe rattling bats can wake them up, and uncrossing them can avoid bad luck. I believe in wiping the morning dew off a ball, and squinting into the sunset. I believe in saving an equipment catalog until the next issue replaces it. I believe photos; autographed balls and scorebook pages can be better than trophies and t-shirts. I BELIEVE THERE IS NO OFF-SEASON. JUST A LONGER WAIT UNTIL THE NEXT GAME. I believe in the butterflies of opening day and the long drive home after the final game. I believe in showing appreciation to your family and friends who came to watch you play. I believe in thanking the umps when the game is over, regardless of the score. I believe the final score is part of the overall experience. I BELIEVE IN SOFTBALL.
By Sarah, Johnstown Jewels

Women's Fastpitch Softball Association

The WFSA is a division of the National Adult Baseball Association (NABA), which is the one of the fastest growing adult baseball organizations in the country. Our main focus is to bring women over the age of 18 a fair, organized, and enjoyable amateur softball leagues to your community.

The WFSA is organized nationally into groups categorized by age. The largest division of play is the Open Division (18 & Over). The WFSA also features 25 & Over, 35 & Over, 45 & Over divisions.

Where participation levels permit, leagues are divided into two or more competitive divisions. These divisions are then classified by experience level. The advanced level (AAA) is typically for players that have 3-4 years of college and/or higher level experience. The intermediate level (AA) is generally for the players with high school or some college experience. The recreational level (A) is generally for the players with high experience or some experience in high school. Finally, the rookie level (R) provides an opportunity for players whose love of the game perhaps exceeds their level of experience. Rookie players may not have ever played the game before, but their passion for the game gives them the fortitude to want to try.

This divisional structure provides a level field for each player - regardless of experience and ability level, the WFSA seeks to foster a competitive environment that is challenging and fun for all involved.
http://www.womensfastpitchsoftball.net/