Ulster's Summer Softball League

Information

Contact: vicechair@softballulster.com

In 2008 Softball Ulster held the first Ulster Summer Softball League. This competition is a recreational league with an emphasis on introducing players to softball. The league is open to everyone over the age of 18. Over the course of six weeks we cover both basic skill training and live games. The event will be held again on Wednesday evenings in May and June in 2009.

Want information on this league contact chair@softballulster.com

AS A RESULT OF THIS LEAGUE A NEW TEAM IS FORMING IN THE SOUTH
BELFAST AREA. IF YOU WANT TO TAKE PART AT THE START OF THIS NEW
TEAM CONTACT chair@softballulster.com or COME ALONG TO THE MEETING AT THE
TAP HOUSE IN LOWER CRESCENT 7PM ON WEDNESDAY 8TH JULY.

See 2008 INFORMATION to find out more on this league.
Download information for the league here: night 1 flyer ,  night 2 flyer

The layout of the evenings are:

Agenda

Night 1 - 27th May : Basic Introduction and Training
Night 2 - 3rd June   : Basic Training and Team Selection
Night 3 - 10th June  : Game 1 & 2
Night 4 - 17th June  : Game 3 & 4
Night 5 - 24th June  : Game 5 & 6
Night 6 - 1st July     : Semi-Final & Final

Pub Quiz on Thurs 25th June at 8pm in Errigle Inn, Ormeau Rd
Come along and take part in blitz with Dublin and Belfast teams on Sat 27th June at Henry Jones Playing Fields, Castlereagh, Belfast
Join the 4th of July softball blitz in Shorts recreational Club, Holywood Road, Belfast
contact chair@softballulster.com

League Table

W - win, L - lose, D - draw, RA - runs against, RF - runs for.

Game plan:

Players should arrive by 18.20 on the game nights ready to play. Remember to wear a t-shirt in the colour of your team as assigned on night 2. Game rules can be downloaded here.

Teams

Final Night:

After a gruelling six week battle, the Blue Jays win the Softball Ulster Introductory league final against the surprised come back of the Red Barons. Coach Maarten Blanken has for the second year running brought his team through the basics of softball to win the final of this league. The spirit amongst his team during the final, particularly when they were six runs down at the end of the first inning, is a testament to his own enjoyment of the game. The second half of the game saw a revived strength in the Blue Jays as they fought against the strong defence of the Red Barons.

In Softball Ulster tradition a most valued player and most improved player from each team was selected by the Coaches. These were:

Blue Jays MVP: Suzanne Kennedy
Blue Jays MIP: James Trainor
Panthers MVP: Gemma Davis
Panthers MIP: Fionnuala Hegarty
Red Barons MVP: Gareth Clendinning
Red Barons MIP: Christina Morgan

Congratulations to the Blue Jays and the MVP, MIP of each team. Thank you to all those who helped to coach, umpire, score and take part. In particular, Maarten Blanken, Jose Santos, Chris Patterson, Suzanne Patman, Karen McKeown, Pamela Gray, Neil Watson, Nickola Gorcikova, Lauren Patterson and Terry Rotsbotham.

Night 5:

In preparation for the semi-final and final next week, the softballers taking part in the introductory league played a full seven inning game with a full count. This gave them the first glimpse of a full game.

Night 4:

Suzanne Kennedy opened up the softball games on Wednesday evening with some superb pitching, during the second of four rounds of games for adults at the Belfast Playing fields, Mallusk. This is part of a program run by Softball Ulster to develop the sport in the greater Belfast area. 

The Blue Jays strong infield made up of Alison Rutledge on first base and William Mitchell as short-stop, helped to close the first inning of the game against the Red Barrens with three quick outs. The Red Barrens attempted to come back during the game with some great plays from short-stop, Kate Wilson, and a strong batting performance. However, it was not to be.

The blue Jays have now streaked ahead in the league table beating both the Panthers and Red Barrens hands down. Neither team, were truly able to compete with the red hot batting of the Blue Jays. Yet, there is still a chance for both teams to make a come back, and they will be competing strongly against each other for the other place in the final. The Blue Jays scores have securely placed them in the final but the question is ‘Can they hold it together on day?’

Night 3:

A crack of a bat was heard across Belfast on Wednesday night as Fionnuala Gallagher opened up the Softball season with a great hit towards the shortstop, and safely got to first base. James Trainor then got the first score on the board for the Blue Jays as he batted Fionnuala home.

Having only started to play two weeks ago all teams showed some great batting skills. The first two games have now been played with the Blue Jays beating the panthers by 7 to 4 runs, and the Panthers beating the Red Barons 16-7. This puts the Panthers in lead position, based on run difference, but it is very early days. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting league.

Night 2:

The sun finally came out this week and a proper softball night was had by all. The three teams were allocated and trained individually. Important decisions were made; such as team names and positions. At the end of the night each team took on the other with 15 mins of batting/fielding each. The Blue Jays came out on top, getting 9 runs against the 7 each of the Panthers and Red Barons. Is this a sign of things to come??? Can Coach Maartens team win again??

INFO FOR NIGHT 2: Teams will be assigned at the beginning of night 2. Help your coach pick
names and  team colours. Download night 2 flyer here.

Night 1:

Despite the rain, road closures and the poor scheduling of the big football match everyone kept talking about, approximately 30 new players took to the fields in Mallusk for some Softball fun. This was the first week and many new skills were learnt, though a few look as if there naturals... competition for the local teams?? Stay tuned to the leagues webpage for uptodate info on these teams.

INFO FOR NIGHT 1: All you need to remember is bring trainers, £20, some water and
be up for some fun. See you there.  Download night 1 flyer here.

Location:

This league will be held at the Belfast City Playing Fields in Mallusk. See directions here. The entry to park road from Antrim road is blocked. Go through Mallusk industrial estate, and take park road to the right. It currently has a closed road sign but don't worry continue up that road and you will see the fields
on your right. If you had problems with the directions on the first night, try again so you don't miss out.

Cost

Cost: £20 per person or £240 for a team of 12 (with at least 4 females). This includes insurance, use of equipment and coaching. Registration closes 20th May 2009. Payment will be collected on first evening.

So if you want to enjoy the summer evenings with a fun group outdoors in the sun register with softball Ulster by sending an e-mail to vicechair@softballulster.com.  Come on your own or bring some friends or colleagues!

Keep an eye on this page it will be updated throughout the league.