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I’ve played softball since I was 19 years old; I’m still playing at 57 in a C-D level co-ed recreation league. As the athletic supervisor for Gloucester Parks, Recreation and Tourism in Virginia, I have also set up many leagues. I absolutely love the game. After all this time, I’m curious as to why such a great sport has turned into a homerun derby and a dangerous one at that.
The game (at least for mid-level players and teams) used to be beautiful, with a few legitimate “power hitters.” The rest of the team tried to get hits or go the opposite way with a runner on first--many strategies came into play. Now, during a men’s league game, everybody plays for the three-run homerun, and nobody is thinking strategy. Guys who were never homerun hitters are now blasting them at a very high rate with their $365 double-wall, composite super bats.
Protection For Self-Preservation
Last summer I ventured into the men’s league for a few games and was surprised to see a few changes--the pitching rubber is back to 53 feet, the bases at 70 feet and many guys I know who are good pitchers won’t play the position. One pitcher was wearing a mask and shin guards for self-preservation. When the third baseman and first baseman were playing in the outfield to be safe, I realized that strategy was gone from the game, and players were constantly worried about getting hurt. I myself had second thoughts about going out there to pitch. I’m still a good pitcher in our Sunday co-ed rec league. I had survived 39 years of playing without getting decapitated, but I said I would catch.
