Co-ed softball will be 16 and up

The Malta Parks & Recreation Softball League is back for a second season after hosting a successful outing in 2016. Registration opened on Monday, June 19 and many have shown interest.

“We have had many people ask about it and have picked up packets,” Malta Parks & Recreation Co-Director Julia Tatafu said. “We had five teams last year and we are hoping for more this year.”

Even if a potential participant can’t field a full team, individuals are encouraged to sign up.

“If you’re not on a team and want to play we encourage you to sign up,” Tatafu said.

The season is scheduled to kick off on Tuesday, July 11. The season will continue on a weekly basis with games starting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday evenings until August 15. Games will again be played on the softball field on the north side of Trafton Park.

“The same softball rules will apply as last year,” Tatafu said.

The games will be seven innings long and will follow the same rules as last season. Tatafu did mention there will only be one major change. The age limit has dropped to 16 years and older.

“We wanted to be able to offer the high-schoolers an event because that isn’t an age group we have been able to reach because of other high school sports,” Tatafu said. “During the summer we know that they are still busy but it gives them a chance to join if they want.”

Even with the age change teams will have to alternate male-female when batting while also having five females and five males out on the field during defense. Teams are limited to 16 players total.

“It can be an all high school team or an all 40-year-old team,” Tatafu said. “It’s for fun. We are really stressing that it’s a fun league. I think people really did have fun last year.”

The six-week season will again be followed by a single elimination tourney that has yet to be scheduled. Last year’s championship team was the Hitchin Post Pounders.

The league is also accepting applications for umpires.

“If anyone is interested in umpiring, then you will get paid and we would appreciate it if they contact us,” Tatafu said.

She went on to say that there is one umpire vacancy to fill.

Teams and players are all to be registered by Friday, June 30. If there are any more questions about the league call Julia Tatafu at 654-4178 or Natalie Judd at 520-686-0986.