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Softball Overview
These are items that apply to every softball year. If you have questions that aren't answered here, just ask and we'll add them.
The Location
Location of all games: Anheuser-Busch Athletic Complex. Exit off of Rt. 315 at Bethel Road for Diamonds #3 & #4. Exit at Henderson Road for Diamonds #5, #6, #7, #8. Click on each map for further detail. The diamonds are marked on the map on the right.
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| FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions |
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| Q: Do I have to be coordinated to play?
A: Players are rated from 1 (haven't played before) to 5 (an excellent player). Everyone gets to play at least 3 innings. If you don't want to be a player, there are several roles you can have and still be part of a team. For example, you can be a scorekeeper (Non-Playing Assistant or NPA for short) or party coordinator (or NPC). There are other roles, too. This is a sport for all. |
| Q: When are the games played?
A: They are on Thursday evenings, starting at 6:15 and 7:30. A schedule of games is distributed before the season begins. As road construction engulfs Columbus, the times may vary, so check them carefully. |
| Q: What if I can't play every week or get there by 6:15?
A: You should not sign up as a player if you need to miss more than 2 or 3 games or can't get there by 6:15 on a reliable basis. In fact, for early games, you should plan to be at the diamond by 6:00 to warm-up. |
| Q: What if we're rained out?
A: While that rarely happens in Columbus, City of Clouds and/or Rain, the games will be tacked onto the end of the scheduled games. Plan to play every Thursday from the end of April until mid-August. |
| Q: What's with the weird size yellow softballs?
A: The 12" ball is for the men hitters, and the 10" ball is for the women. It's standard throughout the City of Columbus. The yellow color is so that people can find it more easily when it lands in the woods. |
| Q: Will I have to buy a coordinated outfit to play?
A: Not immediately! Your fee includes a team shirt which you will need to color coordinate with the rest of your ensemble. |
| Q: Do we actually play on dirt?
A: Not only that, but it gets hard like a brick in summer, so you'll need turf shoes with non-metal spikes to keep from slipping. If you can't get shoes to match your shirt color, it's suggested you buy either black or white ones, as those colors are always fashionable and go with any color outfit. |
| Q: What else will I need to buy to be a complete player?
A: You'll need a folding deck chair so that you don't have to sit on those uncomfortable wooden benches. Also, a water bottle, batting gloves, suntan lotion, a glove, a ball cap, sunglasses, and your own handcrafted aluminum bat (optional). And finally, you'll need to buy a magic marker so that you can put your name on everything. You may need to mortgage your house to play softball, but it's worth it. |
| Q: Will I get to play in every game?
A: Every player who shows up on time is required to play at least 3 innings (except for shortened games due to run rule, weather, or national emergency). |
| Q: Can I sign up with a friend?
A: Two people can sign up with each other as long as their ratings are not in conflict. Ratings conflicts are rare. Sign-ups can be any of the following combinations: M-M, M-W, or W-W. Other combinations are not permitted. Note: To officially sign-up as a pair, Person A must sign-up with Person B, AND Person B must sign-up with Person A on their respective application forms. |
| Q: Can families sign up together?
A: In the beginning, only two people could sign-up together. Friend/friend, dad/son, mom/son, etc. It didn't matter. Then, in 2007, the Parsons-Paul Rule was introduced. It allowed up to 3-person families to sign-up together. Dad/mom/daughter, mom/son/daughter, etc. It didn't matter except that they had to be related. Now, in 2010, the Baer Rule was approved. It allowed 4-person families to sign-up together. Dad/mom/son/daughter, dad/son/daughter/daughter, etc. It didn't matter, but again they had to be related. In all cases, only two unrelated people can sign-up together. All sign-ups were allowed as long as they conformed to the team balancing rules. Since the combinations change on a yearly basis, ask about this at sign-ups in January. |
| Q: Is there an end-of-year Tournament?
A: Yes, there is. Towards the middle of August there is a weekend tournament for all the teams. Doesn't matter what your record is, you play. It's all day Saturday and Sunday until you are eliminated or drop from exhaustion. It is always hot. It is always painful. It is the most fun you can have on a baseball diamond during the day. |
| Q: Sometimes when I play softball, I get really hungry. Can I eat during a game?
A: Not when you are in the field, but on the sidelines it's OK. Many teams will have a Party Coordinator who will provide a feast after the games. Maybe wait until then to eat. |
| Q: Will I need a glove for the Ratings Clinic?
A: Not when you are at bat, but when you are in the field, it is recommended. The alternative might be bruises all over your body. However, for the Ratings Clinic, you can often borrow a glove. For the regular season, you will need your own glove. Ask your coach what kind to get. There is a difference. |
| Q: Who do I ask if I still have more questions?
A: If it is before you have been assigned to a team, ask Roy Izzo, the Softball Head Honcho for this season. You can e-mail him at: steel_2@hotmail.com or call him at 614-442-1220. If he doesn't know the answer, he will refer you to a specialist who will know it. It's like the medical profession except it doesn't cost you anything. If it's after you've been assigned to a team, call your Coach. They are highly trained to know everything about Ski Club softball. |
| Q: This is called "Social" softball. How Social is it?
A: Before the game, it's very social. During the game, it's competitive, but still friendly. You shouldn't drink during the game for safety reasons, and you should always try to play your best. After the game, it's very social again. Unless you lost. Then it's vicious. [not really] |
| Q: Last time I played, all the outfielders moved in and the infielders were close enough to be related. Is this what I have to look forward to?
A: Not at all. Ski Club rules provide for not so powerful players by requiring outfielders to be in the outfield (the Cone Rule) and for infielders to be in the infield (the Outside the Baseline Rule), not on top of the batter. Some of the best hits are the ones that come to rest 3' from home plate. |
| Q: Is there an age limit for players?
A: Yes, there is. The youngest you can be is 21 mostly because you must be 21 or older to be a member of Ski Club and you must be a member to play. The oldest you can be is Audrey's current age unless someone older joins the Club. However, in both cases, you must be physically fit enough to play the game. |
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