Hello Softball parents

 

We remain optimistic that the snow will melt and Park & Rec will approve use of fields soon. We have about 70 players registered across our 10U, 12U and 14U teams and we are excited to welcome new players to our program! 

 

For those new to our program, we belong to a Springfield based league (NEYSA, neysainc.org if you want to check them out). Starting in 3rd grade, teams compete against other Springfield-area teams (Springfield, East Longmeadow, Agawam, Wilbraham, etc). Coaches are currently holding evaluations and expect to communicate team rosters before the end of this month. We will have two 10U teams, two 12U teams and one 14U team this year. Player age is age on Jan 1, 2019. 10U means players were 10 or younger on Jan 1, 12U means 11 or 12 yo on Jan 1, 14U means 13 or 14 yo on Jan 1.

• 12U evaluations Sat 16 March 11am to noon for pitchers/catchers, noon to 1pm all positions
• 14U evaluations Sat 23 March  11am to noon for pitchers/catchers, noon to 1pm all positions
• 10U evaluations Sun 17 March noon to 1pm all positions, 1pm to 2pm for pitchers/catchers
• 10U evaluations Sun 24 March noon to 1pm for all positions

Team practices will start once Park & Rec gives us a green light to use the fields, hopefully by Apr 1. 10U practices will be 1-2 times per week, 12U and 14U will be 2-3 times per week depending on field & coach availability. 10U home field is Glenbrook Middle School fields. 12U home field is Turner. 14U home field is Russell. 

NEYSA games generally start on May 1. Teams should expect two games a week (weeknight games starting at 6pm). Coaches will receive game schedule mid-April once all player IDs are turned in. 

NEYSA requires all players to have a valid photo ID. No ID = no spot on team, NEYSA rule not mine. NEYSA ID is valid for 2 years. Returning players should contact Coach Kim or their 2018 coach if they are unsure if their ID is still valid. If you played on Rookies last year or are new to Longmeadow softball, assume you need an ID. IDs cost $8 and we recommend bringing cash since we are not sure if check/credit card is accepted. Players should bring proof of age (ie, birth certificate, expired NEYSA ID, etc) to Greenleaf Community Center on Parker St at the following sessions. Please don't delay getting IDs. As noted above, coaches may not get game schedule if player IDs are not available.

 

Monday 18 March 6-7:30pm

Wednesday 3 April 6-7:30pm

Friday 5 April 6-7:30pm

Saturday 13 April 1-2:30pm

 

Other important dates to add to your calendars:

 

Longmeadow Softball car wash fundraiser Sunday 29 April from 9am to 2pm. More info to come from coaches soon.

 

Longmeadow Softball night at Hartford Yardgoats game Saturday 18 May at 6pm. In addition to enjoying the game, Longmeadow softball players can participate in the pre-game flag ceremony and enjoy post-game fireworks.  If you’d like tickets, let Rick Sandler know by e-mail, [email protected], or fill out the flyer and give it to a coach at evaluations. Ticket supply is limited, so don’t hesitate to sign up!