Long Island Softball

A player running the baseline in a game of softball. Photo by Frank Pelligra via Free Images.

Softball is an offshoot of America’s national pastime, baseball, but the sport has a long history of its own. Originally invented in 1887 as an indoor game, the sport was identified by a number of names before the term “softball” began to take hold in the early 20th century.

The name of the sport is a bit misleading, however. The actual ball used in softball measures between 11 and 12 inches in circumference and tends to be fairly dense, making it much harder than the name would imply.

Over the years a few different styles of play have also developed to accommodate different levels of skill and competition. “Slow-pitch” requires that balls be arched to the batter and allows for teams of 10 players, while prohibiting bunting and stolen bases. “Fast-pitch” cuts the playing field down to 9 and allows both stealing and bunting. Both require that the ball be pitched underhand, and a regulation game lasts just seven innings (as opposed to the traditional nine played in professional baseball).

In addition to many youth and school leagues, Long Island is also home to multiple amateur and recreational softball clubs, as well as training facilities.

Pro Game Athletics
41 Saxon Avenue, Bay Shore, NY 11706
631-647-7757
If you're looking to improve your softball skills, Pro Game Athletics has the training facility you need to not only increase your strength and agility, but also to learn and master the fundamentals. Pro Game Athletics holds clinics and camps to help players better their throwing, catching, footwork, and hand skills. Their batting cages can also be rented for hitting practice, and onsite instructors can also coach hitters. No matter what skill a young athlete is looking to improve upon, Pro Game Athletics can help.

Pro Game Athletics provides one-on-one and group lessons in softball. They have instructors who specialize in Hitting, Fielding, Pitching and Catching. All lessons prices are based off of specific instructors and range from $50-$60 per 30 min session. A Tier 1 instructor costs $50 for a 30 minute session and $100 for a 60 minute session. A Tier 2 instructor costs $60 for a 30 minute session and $120 for a 60 minute session.

Long Island Pride Sports Association
Contact: RyanLucas@ymail.com
LIPSA provides friendly and exciting recreational co-ed softball leagues with seasons that run during the spring, summer, and fall! There’s even a co-ed tournament team for those with a more competitive edge

ABA Sports Network
Contact Phone: 516-870-0040 Email: LeagueOffice@ABASports.com
Among its many endeavors, ABA Sports organizes both a Men’s and a Coed softball league. The “Pros in Amateur Sports” have weeknight, Saturday, and Sunday leagues to better accommodate very Long Islander’s busy schedule.

Additional Resources for Sports on Long Island