Albany Berkeley Girls Softball League (ABGSL) is a USA Softball-affiliated, recreational, all-volunteer league that organizes fastpitch softball teams for girls and gender-expansive youth in kindergarten through 9th grade. We emphasize safety, sound skill development, fun, and participation for every player, regardless of skill level or previous experience. League graduates are prepared to play fastpitch (or slow-pitch) softball at both recreational and competitive levels, and many go on to high school, college, intramural, or tournament team softball. ABGSL is a community organization: family members actively participate as coaches, managers, and board members, and local businesses sponsor teams.

ABGSL teams are grouped into divisions based on grade in school. Each division focuses on teaching a developmentally-appropriate set of skills, described in detail below. All divisions play games under a special set of ABGSL rules which are based on the standard USA Rules of Softball but are modified to be division-specific and to prioritize safety, fun and equal participation over winning.

Micro Division (Grades K & 1):  A great introduction to team sports and the game of softball. Practices and games are held on Saturday mornings, from 9am-11am. Teams are kept small to ensure that each player is actively involved while practicing batting or fielding. The emphasis is on fun, safety, and learning to develop team spirit with new friends. Parents enjoy socializing while watching their children have fun learning to play softball.

Younger Division (Grades 2 & 3):  All the basic softball skills are taught and extended, such as throwing, batting, base running, playing the different positions, and using the glove to catch grounders, pop flies and line drives. Pitching machines keep the ball hittable. Practices and games move to three times per week (two weekday afternoons and Saturday). All team members bat and players rotate through all positions. The emphasis is on fun, participation and skill development.

Middle Division (Grades 4 & 5):  Middle division marks the transition from coach-modified fastpitch to true fastpitch. Girls are given the opportunity to learn how to pitch and how to catch live pitching. Pitching machines are used both for hitting practice and in games (until there are enough qualified girl pitchers to take over). Players learn more advanced softball techniques and general game strategy, including sliding, stealing, run downs, and double plays. Practices and games happen three times per week (two weekday afternoons and Saturday).

Older Division (Grades 6–9):  Players pitch and play proceeds according to standard ASA rules with minor modifications. Teams play other ABGSL teams and may also play teams from our sister recreational leagues in the surrounding area. Players rotate through infield and outfield positions and are assured of 4 innings of play per game. (6th Graders with no prior experience may be given the opportunity to play in Middle Division.)

Sting Competitive Summer/Fall Program: ABGSL runs a competitive softball program in the summer and fall for our spring players who can't get enough softball. Complete details can be found on our Sting page.