Church Softball League

Grab your glove, polish your cleats, and schedule a massage—church league softball is in full swing once again. It’s that time of year when rusty athletes stretch for the ball, swing for the fence, and run the bases with the speed of . . . well, whatever speed they can muster. And while there are fantastic players on every team, the most fantastic aspect of the fun summer league is fellowship, camaraderie, and folks of a common faith out enjoying one of the best times of the year.

 

The premiere evening of the season lent itself to an overcast sky and brisk winds. As broiling clouds tumbled above, wary parishioners opted for their own lawn chairs rather than the metal bleachers. When a smattering of rain drops left dollops of dew on folks’ heads, the grown-ups looked suspicious, while the children laughed with delight. It turned out that no major downpour was scheduled for that evening, and everyone returned to relaxing. With neighborly spectators enjoying good conversation, at times the “chatter” off the field was as loud as the chatter among the good-natured guys and gals on the field. A surprise dust storm caused a temporary delay in the action, but when it settled a stunning sunset appeared in the western sky for all to enjoy.

 

For the 2008 summer series, six local congregations are on the roster—First Baptist, Saint Joseph’s, Winterset Community Church, United Methodist, St. Paul Lutheran, and “the Terminators.” This season’s games will be held: Friday, May 30th at 6:15, 7:15 and 8:15 pm; Mondays, June 2nd, 9th, and 16th at the same times; with tournament play on Mondays, June 23rd and 30th. Rainouts of Monday games are automatically scheduled for the following Friday. All games take place on the Martin Marietta fields on the east side of town, and are in coordination with the Winterset Parks and Recreation Department.

 

Just a few notes for those in the crowd: there are generally five, six-inning games a night with both fields up and running. Games last 60 minutes maximum, and to move things along each batter starts out with a ball and a strike on their count. Close plays require a slide or the batter is automatically out, and the games are umpired by players from a church other than the two playing.

 

Admission is free and everyone is welcome to cheer on their family and friends. Just one more suggestion before you get to the game, swing by Frostees and pick up an ice cream—then you’ll know without a doubt that summer has arrived.

As printed in the Winterset Madisonian May 28th, 2008