“Play Ball” – Mason Wallace Park Hosts the Adult Softball League of the Levine JCC.
On Sunday mornings at Monroe Road’s Mason Wallace Park, teams like The Vegan Bombers and Velociraptors play fun-filled, competitive games of slow-pitch softball. The Bombers, current defending champions, of the eight-team Adult Softball League of the Levine Jewish Community Center that makes its home in the park.
The league, going for over 30 years, has been at Mason Wallace Park since 2013. The league played games on the Shalom Park campus on Providence Road. When the field was claimed to make room for more tennis and youth soccer, the league found their new home at Mason Wallace Park.
League Commissioner, David Berger, says the competitive but enjoyable play attracts players of all ages, with current members ranging from their 20s to their mid-60s. Fathers and sons play on the same teams. Some players have college and even professional baseball experience, but others are purely recreational players.
There are 12 weeks of play for both the fall and spring seasons, including two playoff weeks. A Home Run Derby caps the season. Each week features four Sunday morning games starting between 8 am and 11 am.
Commissioner Berger notes that safety is a top priority. For example, to avoid first base collisions, there are two bases there. One in play for the first baseman, the other in the foul play area for the runner. Also, pinch runners are used liberally for players with minor injuries or mobility deficiencies. Each player is allowed only one home run per game to keep games competitive. A player’s second home run counts as only a double.
The league has fit in perfectly at Mason Wallace. It’s close to the JCC, the ball field’s dimensions are great for league games, and County Park and Recreation maintains the playing field.
If you’re interested in playing, the league is open to all. Contact the JCC at 704-366-5007. Otherwise, you can treat yourself and the family to a great Sunday morning ball game at Mason Wallace Park at 7301 Monroe Road.
