What we’re about
EVERYONE PARTICIPATES AT THEIR OWN RISK. Physical activity has its own inherent sets of risks that this group cannot control nor be held liable for.
This group is for laid-back, but still competitive games. We are physically active but do not expect anyone to have years of experience under their belts. We try to have fun while still playing a game we all love. Top priority is to have fun, bring a good attitude to the field, and meet some fun folks in the process. Please do not complain about trivial issues and do not argue calls within the game.
Most weeks we'll celebrate post-game at Craft and Carry (2nd Ave between 84th and 85th), if we go somewhere else I will include it in that week's sign up.
GENERAL RULES:
This is a competitive but friendly game. There is no arguing calls and if there is debate on a play I'll make the final ruling. Be supportive of your teammates. We are here to play softball, have fun, and make new friends.
Generally, we play with a three swing rule. The batter starts with a 0-0 count, and your third swing, even if it is foul, is considered an out. On the off chance we have someone acting as umpire, we will call balls and strikes and then a third swing foul is not an out (unless it is caught in the air).
No taking leads. No stealing. Slide at your own risk (not advisable considering the condition of the fields) and be mindful of who is covering the bases if you do slide.
There's a fence behind 3b so the ball is in play if it hits the fence. If the ball goes over the fence or rolls behind the backstop behind home plate it is a "dead" ball and runners advance one base. A long overthrow of 1b results in a "dead" ball and runners get one base. A ball hit into the trees deep in the OF is "live" and runners get as many bases as they can.
Unless someone wants to play catcher the entire game, the position will be rotated amongst all team members equally. Same goes for pitching.
Warm-ups typically start around 3:40pm if the field is open. Arriving early allows us to get maximum game time in.The game will begin promptly at 4pm so we can get two complete 7-inning games in.
FEES:
$5 per person per week
$60 cap for the season.
$50 for the season if you pay in advance (advance window TBD)
LATE CANCELS AND NO SHOWS:
The game sign up is capped at 24 to ensure everyone gets enough playing time. I understand life happens, but please do your best to cancel your RSVP before 4pm on Friday (reminders are sent out Friday AM). If you cancel after 4pm on Friday, or simply no show to the game, it will be noted, and repeat offenders run the risk of being removed from the league. If someone cancels late and you are moved up from the waitlist last minute, it will not count against you.
LOCATION:
Our games take place on the Great Lawn which is almost the exact center of Central Park. The nearest entrances are on 86th street on either side. The website shows the correct location of the field. Field 7 is on the northern end of the Great Lawn, on the other side of the oval path that circles the main part of the Great Lawn.
SCHEDULE:
The field is reserved nearly every Saturday from April to Mid September. We then continue to play through early October as long as the weather cooperates.
I'll email/post in the event of inclement weather potentially impacting the game. Alternatively, you can call the hotline at 212-628-1036 x111. If the game is canceled, I will note it in the event. OTHERWISE, ASSUME THE GAME IS HAPPENING.
EQUIPMENT:
You should wear sneakers (or cleats, if desired) and comfortable clothing. If you have a glove, please bring it. I will supply a fresh ball for each game and several practice balls. I have a few bats, but feel free to bring your own if you have one. I have an extra glove (or you can swap with someone on the opposing team) if you do not have one.
