Our Softball program is based on the Cal Ripken League guidelines and is a developmental program for girls ages 7-14 (see Rookie, Minor and Major descriptions below) to learn the necessary skills and rules to play the game. The league will consist of teams from Minot, Oxford, Otisfield, South Paris, Bethel, Paris, West Paris, Norway and our teams.
Softball Director: Jeremy Lothrop
Phone #: 207-212-2011
Email: lothrop00@gmail.com
2025 Season:
For Mechanic Falls and Poland players ONLY
Each year we attempt to offer teams at Rookies, Minors and Majors.
If we do not have enough for any level, we will reach out MHAA or other nearby communities to make sure we have teams.
All Mechanic Falls and Poland players register with the Poland Parks & Recreation Dept.
Minot teams need to register with Minot Hebron Athletic Association
Registration Begins: February 10th
Registration Deadline: March 20th
Coaching:
If you are interested in coaching at any level, please contact Scott at:
ssegal@polandtownoffice.org
207-838-8632
We can never have too many coaches!
Team Sponsors:
We are looking for sponsors for Rookies, Minors & Majors.
If you are interested in sponsoring a team, please contact Scott at:
ssegal@polandtownoffice.org
207-838-8632
Rookies Sponsor= $300.00 (Supports jersey and socks)
Minors Sponsor = $400.00 (Supports jersey and socks)
Majors Sponsor = $500.00 (Supports jersey and socks)
As a Sponsor, you will Receive:
- Your business name printed on the front of the jersey for the team you sponsor
- Your business logo printed on the end-of-season certificates
- Facebook mentions thanking you as a sponsor
Please email your logo to Vanessa at: vharlow@polandtownoffice.org
Swag T-Shirts: Support your team! We have swag t-shirts available to purchase in either navy blue or sport gray.
Youth sizes = $12.00
Adult sizes = $15.00
Customize each t-shirt for an additional cost. Add your players first or last name on the back for $8. Add your players first name, last name or jersey number to the sleeve for $3. Please be sure to add customization to your cart for EACH t-shirt you order.
To order:
https://polandme.myrec.com/info/products/default.aspx?CategoryID=99
Once ordered and paid for, shirts may take up to two weeks to be completed.
All proceeds will go to support our new SPORTS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.
Rookies, Minors & Majors
Cost = $75.00
Note: The Softball program is expensive to run and all revenues go to support Softball. We do not make a profit operating Softball. Expenses are league dues, uniforms, equipment, officials for certain levels, bathrooms, end of season gatherings, etc...
UNIFORM
We will supply each player with a team color jersey and socks
Athlete's last name will be printed on the back of their jersey
The players keep these items at the end of the season!
Players will be responsible to acquire their own BLACK softball pants and Softball mask.
We have some pant sizes available to purchase for $12.00
We have some masks available for purchase for $15
EQUIPMENT
Your child will need to have a glove, helmet, Softball mask (ask your coach if you need advice), cleats, and a water bottle for practices & games.The Parks & Recreation Dept. will supply all equipment such as bats, catchers gear, softballs, catcher's glove, etc...
Softball face mask rule from 2019
Babe Ruth Softball Rule Change – Face Masks– Face Masks are required for the infield positions – First, Third and Pitcher. We will have a few face masks on hand. However, we are recommending that softball players provide their own for hygienic reasons if it is anticipated that they will play any of the above positions.
SPORTS RECYCLING:
We have some used cleats, gloves & helmets available at no cost
FOR SALE: We have a handful of black pants for sale for $10.00 and softball masks $10.00
All-stars:
If the State Cal Ripken and Andy Valley participate in all stars, our players will have an opportunity to be nominated. Towards the end of the season, coaches nominate players for various all star age groups. At the All star meeting in mid-June the league coaches determine the all star team. Anyone from our program who is interested in being nominated for all stars, coaches will make sure to have parents sign a commitment letter, as the all star season runs into the summer months.
**Note: Softball is a team sport that requires positioning of players.
Coaches are responsible to place players based on safety, skill level and desire. Parents are welcome to give feedback to the coach with the understanding that the coach makes the final decision on player positioning.
Assessment for 6 year olds (Age 6 by December 31, 2024)
If you feel your child is ready for Rookie softball, you can request your child be assessed by contacting our office (ssegal@polandtownoffice.org) with the following understanding; There has to be room for your child to move up; and must have played at least a year of tee ball.
Optional Preseason Practices:
We will utilize Poland Community School and/or Elm St school for practices beginning week of March 10th. Once we determine dates per age group, we will send out an email blast.
Assessment: Sunday, March 23rd: (Child's age as of 12/31/2024)
Location: Poland Regional High School gym
4:00pm: Ages 12-14
5:00pm: Ages 10-11
6:00pm: Ages 9 & under
Note: We would like to have all players attend assessments. If you can not attend, please let Scott know in advance.
ssegal@polandtownoffice.org
207-838-8632
Softball player clinic: Amanda Tyburski, the new MHAA Softball Director will be offering pitching clinics. The clinics will have a cost and will be advertised separately. The proceeds will be spilt between MHAA and Poland/Mechanic Falls Softball programs.
Week of March 31st & April 7th: Practices by team (We may need to combine some teams if coaches need/want same nights) Dates/Time-TBA
Week of April 14th: Our hope is to be outside practicing by then
OUTDOOR PRACTICES
Typically two nights per week (TBD)
We will begin advertising some preseason indoor practices by the end of February
Anticipated game days:
Rookies: Sundays and Fridays - May thru June (We are trying to get the Friday dates moved this year...stay tuned)
Minors: Tuesdays and Thursdays - May thru June
Majors: Sundays- May thru June
Andy Valley Softball Rubric – Guidelines for different Softball levels.
For Rookies, This skill set is often the goal for the end of the season. For Minors and Majors, these skills should be evident or close to evident at the beginning of the season. Players are welcomed to bring their own equipment as well.
Level Suggested Ages Infield & Throwing; Outfield & Fielding Pitching Base-Running
Rookies
Ages: 9 & Under Grades 2,3,4
* Able to demonstrate proper technique (triangle, glove down, bent knees, hips balanced).
* Able to throw with some accuracy. * Catchers able to catch and stop 75% of pitches
* Can demonstrate proper technique on a fly ball.
* Can catch a fly ball if thrown to them in practice.
* Pays attention to the game.
* Shows a desire to want to pitch and willing to work on mechanics.
* Practices these mechanics at home
*Can run to first,, round the bag and slide into home
Ages: 10-13 Mostly 4th, 5th and 6th graders. May include Middle School girls who might or might not play school softball.
* Able to demonstrate proper technique and charge in on a ball, making an accurate throw to first base.
* Catchers catch 90% of pitches and throw to 2nd when necessary.
* Can catch a fly ball hit directly to them and field hard hit ground balls.
* Knows to throw to the proper base.
* Able to throw strikes.
* Willing to throw 100 extra pitches at home, practicing technique.
* Willing to slide into bases.
* Knows and demonstrates good base running.
Majors
Ages: 12-14 (Mostly Middle School age girls who probably play school Softball).
Talented 5th or 6th graders able to play.
* Can play any infield position and with proper technique field hard hit ground balls.
* Infielders understand rotations on a bunt and can apply those rotations.
* Throws are strong and accurate according to position. Catchers can throw out a base- stealer
* Can track fly balls in the gaps by turning their hips and using angles, Can catch the ball and throw to the correct base,
* Can prevent hard it ground balls from going to the fence and throw to any base, hitting the cut-off infielder with accuracy.
*Able to throw fastball for strikes.
* Working on off speed pitch or other pitches.
* Able to field the bunt
* Slides into all bases.
* Can steal a base by getting a good jump of the release of the pitch.
* Aggressively takes the extra base.
Payment Options
At the end of registration, you will have two options:
OPTION 1 (button on the left): Pay entire amount via credit card online (subject to a 3% processing fee) or
OPTION 2 (button on the right) choose "Print a Pre-Registration Form" to pay via check or cash. A red message will then pop up saying,
“You will not be registered until payment is received”
Please hit the green “Yes” button to complete the registration. We will then see it on our end to complete your registration. If you don’t hit “Yes”, we will not see that you are attempting to register and you will have to start over.
A good indication that it’s been completed is, you will receive a confirmation email.
Please make checks payable to: TOWN OF POLAND
Memo line: Softball
Payments can be dropped off in our office during office hours, or placed in our drop box. Our drop box is located directly to the left of our office entrance. Please place payment in the door, so it drops to the bottom when you close it.