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Baseball is a sport that manifests a great American pastime, and for many years now, softball has become an increasingly popular activity as well. For the vast majority of us, our playing days tend to fall far behind us after high school or college. To put it lightly, chances are miniscule that we’ll be playing in the major league, but luckily, dreams are kept alive through recreational and competitive softball and baseball leagues.
These leagues are fun for many reasons: hanging out with friends, camaraderie, athletically challenging yourself, grabbing a beer afterward, etc. With April creeping up fast, many leagues are preparing for the season to begin.
Canton Sports Center, 46555 W. Michigan Ave., Canton, provides both adult softball and youth baseball and softball leagues (through the Greater Youth Baseball Softball Association). It is embedded in Victory Park, and has 12 lit baseball fields with 300-foot fences and bleacher seating. In addition, the area also offers a playscape for kids, a full-service restaurant, patios and concessions. The upcoming session is right on our heels, as it begins on Sunday, April 12. There is still time to sign up! If the current session doesn’t work out for you to play, be prepared for Session II registration to begin on Monday, April 13. There are leagues suited for every age and skill level. All interested parties can register online, or call 734-483-5600.
Liberty Park of America, 33600 Mound Rd., Sterling Heights, is always a strong option for quality adult athletic activity, and has been mentioned previously on “In the D.” The next softball session starts on April 10, and Liberty Park is currently accepting teams. The league is filled on a first come, first serve basis, so it is highly advised to sign up as soon as possible! The park offers 11 baseball fields and also provides a nice place to go after the game with The Dugout Bar and Grill. Register a team by filling out the 2015 Spring Softball Application. Tournaments are abundant here as well, with the “Early Bird” set from Thursday, April 18 through Friday, April 19.
Rochester Avon Recreation Authority, 500 E. Second St., Rochester, also offers several league types. From a Men’s Tavern League to a Coed league, RARA has something for everybody. Most of the leagues are slated to begin in mid-April. There is also a competitive Double Header league, which begins on Thursday, April 16 and includes eight weeks’ worth of back-to-back games plus a double elimination playoff. You’ll definitely get your exercise in playing that frequently. The single game leagues include 14 weeks of contests plus a single elimination playoff. You can register online.
Port Huron Competitive Sports Association sets up leagues that play all over Port Huron. Registration is currently open for men’s, women’s and coed leagues. The PHCSA provides a variety of leagues, such as Men’s Slow Pitch, Men’s Modified, Women’s Fastpitch, Women’s Slow Pitch, Coed and more. Most of the leagues begin in May, with Coed starting first. These leagues tend to be more competitive than recreational (hence the name), but still allow for great fun. In addition to leagues, there are a few upcoming tournaments. “The Memorial Mod Tune up” takes place from Friday, May 22 through Saturday, May 23.
The above options give you a strong starting place if you’re looking to join a league or create a new team, but keep in mind there are plenty of others. In fact, most cities may provide a recreational softball or baseball league. Now all you need to do is break out the mitts and bats and practice those swings.
