Spring Season DATES

The ABGSL spring recreational softball season runs from the first Saturday in March through the first Saturday in June. The dates of specific all-league events and of team-specific practices and games are distributed to families registered in the league.

DIVISIONS

• Micro Division (K & 1st grade) Teams play once a week for a combination of practice and games, 9:00–11:00am every Saturday at Jane Hammond Field, Codornices Park, Berkeley. 
• Younger Division (2nd & 3rd grade) Teams play three times a week — two weekday afternoons and on Saturday. Locations and Saturday times vary.
• Middle Division (4th & 5th grade) Teams play three times a week — two weekday afternoons and on Saturday. Locations and Saturday times vary.
• Older Division (6th–9th grade) Teams play three times a week — two weekday afternoons and on Saturday. Locations and Saturday times vary. We welcome 9th graders as long as they are not playing for their high school teams.

Visit the Grades & Divisions page for more information about the skills that players learn at different ages.

PRACTICE & GAME SCHEDULES

When registering, players in Younger, Middle, and Older Divisions may request placement on either a Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday or a Monday/Wednesday/Saturday team. The first month of the season consists primarily of team practices. The final two months of the season include a mix of games and practices. On average, a team will have one practice and two games each week during April and May. Weekday practice times are 5:30–7pm. Weekday games require players to arrive at 5pm for warm-ups. Saturday practices and games are held for two hours starting at 9am, 11am, 1pm, or 3pm.

Registration

Registration begins on December 1 and closes on February 1. After that day, applications will be accepted on a wait-listed basis, and players will be registered only if there is space for them on a team. Micro division will take players until teams are full, which could take a few weeks into the season.

TEAM ASSIGNMENTS

In order to make the teams as evenly matched as possible, the league takes responsibility for forming teams. However, parents who volunteer to be coaches can plan on coaching their child's team, and if a player has a friend they really want to play with, that will be taken into account. Please include this kind of information on your registration form(s). Team assignments are announced on Opening Day.

EQUIPMENT

Each player needs a softball glove and a pair of cleats, and is encouraged (but not required) to purchase their own batting helmet (for comfort). Middle and Older Division players also need sliding shorts and pads. The League provides everything else, including a team T-shirt, ABGSL cap or visor, player and team pictures, and a trophy for each player. The league maintains a "hand-me-down" collection of outgrown gloves, cleats, and other gear for families that are just getting started. Visit the Equipment page for more info what and where to buy.

PITCHING & CATCHING CLINICS

Pitching and catching are at the heart of fastpitch softball. As players get old enough, many will want to try these specialized skills. They can take a long time to learn, but are tremendously rewarding for those who take the time. The league offers three specialized Pitching and Catching Clinics each year; these are both for beginners to get started and for experienced players to tune up for the season.

OPENING DAY

Held on the first Saturday in March, the Opening Day is our season kickoff. ABGSL players do a special skills practice with players from local high schools (Albany, Berkeley, or El Cerrito High softball teams).Teams are announced, and players meet their teammates and coaches. Families learn the date of their team meeting to discuss the season and sign up for their team jobs.

Bat-A-Que Day

Bat-A-Que is ABGSL's big bash celebration of the recreational season. Carnival-like softball-themed booths are teeming, the barbecue is fired up, and everyone has a grand old time. Team and individual player pictures are taken in this hectic, massive, giggling Saturday event.

VOLUNTEERS

ABGSL is an all-volunteer organization run by the families of players. Every family does both a team job, such as lining fields or scorekeeping, and a league job, such as a shift doing field maintenance or at an all-league event. Of course, many families step up to do much more, and the league is always looking for more leadership. Visit the Volunteer Opportunities page for more information.