Rec (In-House) Softball

Weekday game time is 6:00 p.m. Weekend game time is usually 10:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.  League 9-10 and above frequently schedule additional practice dates beyond the usual practice days. Your coach will coordinate any additional practice days.

The season officially starts April 1 and ends in the middle of June around the same time Baltimore County Public Schools finish the school year.  Practices for League 9-10 and above may begin prior to April 1 at the discretion of the coach. Games begin in the middle of April.

CMRC playing fields are located at Hydes Road Park, Jacksonville Elementary School, and Long Green Baptist Church. Most leagues participate in the Harford County Softball Co-op in which teams will play some games at away fields such as Fallston, Jarrettsville, and other locations primarily in Harford County.

Players must supply their own glove.  Most other equipment is supplied by CMRC Softball, but a player choosing to supply her own equipment is acceptable.

Uniform

CMRC Softball supplies each player with a  jersey and socks. Players in the 5-6 clinic and 7-8 league must supply their own shorts or pants. Because sliding is allowed in the  9-10 league and above, softball pants are required and included as a part of their uniform. Players are strongly encouraged to wear long pants to all practices in order to practice sliding.

Cleats

It is highly recommended that players in League 7-8 and above wear softball/baseball cleats. All cleats must be plastic (metal cleats are prohibited).

Other Equipment

CMRC Softball supplies each team with balls, bats, helmets, and catcher’s gear. In League 9-10 and above, CMRC Softball supplies a safety mask for use by pitchers.  For players who supply their own equipment, please note that some equipment must meet specific safety regulations such as helmets, bats, and balls. If you are not sure about whether equipment meets appropriate safety regulations, consult your coach before making a purchase.

Gloves

A softball glove should fit a player’s hand comfortably. While a glove that is too small will not fit a player’s hand, a glove that is too large is equally bad. Avoid buying a large glove “to grow into.” Large gloves are harder for small hands to manipulate and often cause the player frustration. Try to get a softball-specific glove usually denoted by “Fastpitch” stamped into the glove. Softball-specific gloves are designed for use with the larger softball versus the smaller baseball.  More resources for glove sizing are available on the internet.

Bats

NOTE ON BATS: For any new bat purchases, it is recommended that the bat have the new USSSA Mark. Follow this link to learn more.

For Rec Softball, an inexpensive aluminum bat will work fine. More resources for bat sizing are available on the internet.

Balls

The biggest differences among softballs are the size and hardness of the ball. Younger ages use safety balls, which have a moderately squishy feel. Easton Incredi-ball is a recommended brand and model of safety ball. Older age groups use hard balls. Balls increase in size as players grow older. Most balls are optic yellow in color. Avoid balls labeled “slowpitch” as they are designed for a different version of softball.  If purchasing a fast-pitch hard ball, look for a ball stamped with “.47COR” and “375 max compression” as these are the balls used in games.  More resources for softball types are available on the internet.

League          Ball Size    Ball Type

5-6 Clinic       10-inch      Safety ball, e.g. Incredi-ball

7-8                 11-inch      Safety ball, e.g. Incredi-ball

9-10               11-inch      Optic yellow fast-pitch ball

11-13             12-inch      Optic yellow fast-pitch ball

14-18             12-inch      Optic yellow fast-pitch ball

Friend and coach requests will be taken into consideration, but no guarantees are made.  Whenever possible, sisters will be placed on the same team.

All refunds are subject to a $25 administrative fee to cover our costs.  Refund requests received after uniforms have been ordered will have the uniform cost and administrative fee deducted.  No refunds after the first day of practice.

While every effort is made to adhere to the pre-scheduled days and times, circumstances may dictate that a change in day, time, or field is necessary.