FREQUENTLY Asked Questions
Is this program community based?
Yes, this is a Strongsville based organization. The teams will accept players from surrounding communities as long as it complies with our league rules if a particular team is playing in a league however if it is one our tournament only teams we will accept players from any location.
What league do the girls participate in?
The non tournament teams participate in the Emerald Necklace Girls Fastpitch league. The league consists of teams in the 10u, 12u, 14u, 18jv and 18 varsity levels.
Is this association part of the Strongsville Recreation Program?
No, this is a community based organization that is a non-profit not affiliated with the Strongsville Recreation Program.
Where do the teams play?
The teams that participate in the Emerald Necklace league, play in surrounding communities around Cuyahoga and Lorain county. Strongsville has two home fields (James field and Sprague field) also homes games will be played at Strongsville High School. However the tournament teams will play in local / regional tournaments in Northeast / Northwest and central Ohio depending on what tournaments are registered for.
Is this considered "club" softball?
We have two levels of play. Our league teams are not considered "club" teams but travel teams that participate in playing neighboring cities in Cuyahoga and Lorain counties.
Our tournament team level participates at a higher level and only plays tournaments on the weekends. The tournaments are local and regional based and can have competition from the entire state and / or surrounding states.
What is the try-out process?
Typically try-outs are held in late August / early September. We welcome all girls interested in playing to come out to try-outs. Our goal is to develop an interest in fastpitch and develop the proper skills. Try-outs typically last two hours per session and consist of , throwing, fielding, hitting and running drills. Those interested in pitching and catching will have additional drills.
When do teams practice / play?
Typically after try-outs teams will start practices in the fall and will move indoors over the winter. The players that are in high school will play "winter ball" at Cleveland State University in preparation for the spring high school season. All players that are playing high school softball and are in high school must abide by OHSAA rules and not participate in practices starting in mid-February until the high school season is over.
For the teams playing league play the season consists of approximately 18 games and are typically played Monday through Friday with limited weekend play.
For the tournament only teams they play on the weekends and typically we play a minimum of 6 tournaments with 4 game guarantees at each tournament. However if games are won during the tournament more games will be played.