Once upon a time – or to be
more precise, in the early 1990s – there was a thriving corporate co-ed slowpitch league in Birmingham that had as many as 22 teams at its peak. But the key organisers stepped back, the league shrank, and eventually collapsed.
Ever since, there have been numerous efforts by the BSF, BSUK and people in Birmingham to revive a softball league in England's second city, but all without success. Until now.
Development league
Earlier this year, the Birmingham Bobcats Softball Club held a six-week development league to determine whether a league would be viable in Birmingham in 2013 and to boost recruitment levels. The programme was a great success, and at a meeting on November 11, the Birmingham Softball League (BSL) was established as an independent organisation.
Since then, a four-person Executive Committee has been elected with Kate Page-Smith as President and has had its first meeting to establish a work schedule. There is a lot to do, but the Committee members are confident that they have the experience and enthusiasm – along with support from both BSUK and the BSF – to make the league a success.
New teams
Over the next few months, the BSL will be reaching out to new and existing softball and baseball players to encourage the development of new teams in and around Birmingham. Four teams are currently signed up for the league, with another two potential development teams from Leicester and Coventry.
In addition to weekly league games, the BSL intends to hold training and coaching clinics which may appeal to players from other leagues.
Communication
While a website for the BSL is under construction, a blog has been launched to keep players updated with all the latest news on the BSL and its progression on http://birminghamsoftballleague.blogspot.co.uk/.
In addition to the blog, a Twitter account (@BSL_Softball) and a Facebook page (Birmingham Softball League) have been set up and are open to everyone to follow.
If anyone is interested in the BSL and would like to know more about joining the league, establishing a team or providing support, the Committee would love to hear from you.
This is a major step for softball in Birmingham and the BSL is excited and proud to join the wider softball community.
For more information please contact birminghamsoftballleague@hotmail.co.uk.