One Nation, Under God

Softball returns, ready for spectators

Malta Parks and Recreation kicked off their Third annual Co-ed Softball League last Tuesday, July 10, in Trafton Park.

With the new year of Co-ed Softball, comes new excitement, as well as new vendors for the weekly event, including Ray J's Barbecue and the Salsbery Brothers water slides.

The event, which features players 16 and up, has gotten even more competitive and will feature an end of season tournament, an event that was won by the Dingers in 2017, as the Dingers defeated Oh My Quads in a close 5-4 win. The single-elimination tournament is scheduled to start on Monday, August 13 and conclude on Tuesday, August 14, with games starting at 6 p.m.

The league is hosting eight teams this season including Young's Floor Covering, Lucky Joe's (Joe's In & Out / Lucky Bullet), Dingers, Oh My Quads, 99 Problems but a Pitch Ain't One, Bat Intentions (The Closet / Spare Change), Independence Bank, and The Crusty Sox.

"This year we have some players from Dodson, all the way up to Whitewater and Loring," said Julia Tatafu, a co-director for the Malta Parks and Recreation Department. "We even have a few players from Saco coming over. It's a fun time."

The teams consist of 14 through 18 players. This season features a substitution list, that allows teams to use substitute players in the event of a player not being able to play.

"If people are interested in subbing for our softball teams, please come to the Malta Rec. office and sign up," Tatafu said. "Teams are constantly looking for substitutes because not everyone can make it every night."

The regular season events are held every Tuesday starting at 6 p.m., with action being held on both fields. The games have a one-hour time limit. Games are played until 9 p.m.

"We have three different rounds of games going," Tatafu said.

She mentioned that not only was there competitive softball, but the league was welcoming the Salsbery Brothers as entertainment for the younger crowd.

"Not only are they bringing their water slides for which they are selling wristbands at $5 each, but they are bringing their ice cream wagon," Tatafu said.

Spectators can eat ice cream as well as dinner because a local barbecue favorite is scheduled to be at the games weekly.

"We are having Ray J's bring concessions in their school bus, so the crowd will have good food to eat too," Tatafu said.

Prices for concessions will be available at the event, but admission to the games are free.

"Just come and enjoy it," Tatafu said. "It's free. Come sit in the stands, cheer on the teams. It's pretty entertaining."

As far as the game experience, things should be better for the fans and athletes this year, with pest control taking care of mosquitoes and gophers.

"We spray down there and have filled up gopher holes," Tatafu said. "We are trying to smoke out those gophers. Dave Wiltse, Tim Wiltse, and Ryan Judd have done a wonderful job grooming the fields for us. Those boys help us out a lot, so we appreciate the help."

 

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