Get Ready for the Season: Pick Up Softballs, Strikezone Boards, and Get Bats Checked

As the new softball season approaches, teams need to prepare their equipment to ensure a smooth and successful start. This means picking up softballs, collecting strikezone boards, and getting bats checked for compliance and safety. These steps are essential for every team to avoid delays and focus on playing a safe and fair season. Here’s a detailed guide on how to get everything ready, who to contact, and why these tasks matter.

Softball bat and strikezone board ready for pickup

Picking Up Softballs from Marlen

Softballs are the core of every game, and having the right balls keeps our game safe and fair. Marlen is responsible for distributing the softballs to the teams this season. To avoid any last-minute scrambling, teams should arrange a time to meet with Marlen and collect their supply.

How to Arrange Pickup

• Contact Marlen directly to schedule a convenient time.

• You can pick them up at his work during the week or his house on Saturday or Sunday.

  
  

By coordinating early, teams can focus on training and strategy instead of equipment issues.

Strikezone Boards Announcement

This year, we're providing accurate strikezone boards to create a consistent strikezone across the league. We've had a volunteer donate their time to create these for us. You'll just have to pick them up this weekend.

Importance of Strikezone Boards

Darren is in charge of distributing these boards to teams. Each team should arrange a pickup time to collect their strikezone boards well before the season starts.

Importance of Strikezone Boards

• Improve umpire accuracy: Boards help umpires practice calling balls and strikes.

• Enhance player skills: Batters and pitchers can use the boards to understand strike zones better.

• Standardize training: Having consistent equipment across teams ensures fair play.

  
  

Scheduling Pickup

• Reach out to Darren to set a pickup appointment.

• Confirm how many boards your team requires.

• Pick up the boards early to integrate them into practice sessions.

  
  

Having strikezone boards ready allows teams to prepare more effectively and helps maintain game fairness.

Getting Bats Checked by Shawn

Bats must meet league standards for safety and performance. Shawn Breen is the designated official for checking bats this season. Teams need to arrange a time with Shawn to have their bats inspected, tested, and approved.

Bats Certification Requirements

Bats must be USA Softball certified, and USSSA bats are not permitted. Please keep the wrapping on your bats until they have been tested.

• Safety: Ensures bats are free from cracks or damage that could cause injury.

• Compliance: Confirms bats meet league regulations on size, weight, and material.

• Performance: Helps players use bats that perform consistently during games.

  
  

How to Arrange Bat Inspections

• Contact Shawn Breen to schedule a bat check appointment.

• Bring all bats your team plans to use during the season.

• Allow enough time for any necessary repairs or replacements.

  
  

Getting bats checked early prevents disqualifications during games and keeps players safe.

Tips for a Smooth Equipment Pickup and Check Process

• Communicate early: Reach out to Marlen, Darren, and Shawn as soon as possible.

• Organize team members: Assign someone to coordinate pickups and inspections.

• Prepare equipment: Gather all bats and confirm softball quantities before meetings.

• Keep records: Note dates and times of pickups and inspections for reference.

• Follow up: Check in if you have not heard back within a few days.