BABE RUTH SOFTBALL – SERIOUS FUN

The pitch is thrown. CRACK! The ball soars off the bat with determination for the fences. The crowd goes wild! They jump to their feet in anticipation for the long ball. Softball is a game of skill, strategy, and above all excitement.

The game of softball dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. For too many years softball has been in the shadow of its closely-related, but not at all identical, counterpart - baseball. But now, softball has evolved into a truly global sport and commands its own spotlight.

The future continues to grow ever more promising for softball. More girls and women are playing today than ever before. And as more and more have joined the game, the level of competition has grown at a phenomenal pace and has produced awe-inspiring champions both on and off the field.

Consider Coach Margie Wright, the winningest coach in NCAA history in any sport, male or female. Dr. Dot Richardson, Olympic champion and orthopedic surgeon. Lisa Fernandez. Jennie Finch. Our own International Board of Directors member, Rayla Allison. And so many others – too many to mention.

None has negative press following her. None asked to be a role model, but each is living up to the responsibilities bestowed upon her as an inspiration to our young up-and-coming athletes. Each understands the impact she has on our young people and each is incredible as a role model.

The gold medal success of the United States women’s softball team brought unprecedented fame to the sport. Even more important, the U. S. Olympic team has given young softball players something to aspire to.

Softball is played with a larger ball and on a diamond with shorter basepaths and a shorter pitching distance. The infield is skinned (no grass). The approach is a short-field strategy. The action is fast, very fast. A 60 mile per hour fastball equates to approximately a 95 mph fastball in Major League Baseball.

Babe Ruth League, Inc. offers fastpitch softball designed for girls ages 5-18 with a great deal of flexibility. Our official age divisions include 12U (with an optional 10U level), 16U (with an optional 14U level) and 18U.

Leagues operate with simplicity, democracy and much autonomy within the framework of the Babe Ruth rules and regulations. Babe Ruth Headquarters places no undue restrictions on the local league. Primary emphasis is on participation for players at all levels of athletic ability, and making sure the participants have fun.

Babe Ruth Softball offers an exciting post-season tournament trail through the district, state and regional levels. In the 12U and 16U divisions, the tournament trail is capped by the prestigious Babe Ruth Softball World Series. In the 14U division, players compete in the Softball 14U National Tournament.

Upon entering Babe Ruth Softball, a player will have the opportunity to learn and practice skills and strategies that will prepare her not only for success on the ball field, but to meet the challenges of our increasingly complex society. During the local league season, Babe Ruth Softball players learn and improve solid fundamental skills, develop an understanding of – and respect for – the rules of the sport, experience the rewards of teamwork, and grasp the importance of the fitness of body, mind and character.

Softball has leveled the playing field for today’s young women. Softball is an important chapter in the history of gender equality in athletics.

If your community does not offer Babe Ruth Softball, you are missing out on a world of fun. The batting practice, the ground balls, the pop-ups and the line drives are staples of just another day in the life of a Babe Ruth Softball player. People swarming in the stands and munching their hot dogs while they cheer on their favorite teams – the Babe Ruth Softball experience. Double-headers, late night games, weekend tournaments, players, teammates and best friends – the fun never ends!

Sounds like a great time?? That’s because it is!!! For more information, visit www.baberuthleague.org, or call Babe Ruth Headquarters today to enroll your community in a memorable experience for all. Our toll-free number is 1-800-880-3142.

While speaking of Babe Ruth Softball, I would be remiss if I did not recognize our eight Softball Regional Commissioners, who work hard all year long to make our softball program a fun and memorable time for our young players. They are as follows: