If you are just joining or relatively new to the League, you will discover many rich friendships among a group of people who not only come to play on the field, but socialize and attend our non-playing events, share a table after games, and enjoy camaraderie. You are joining a community.
Ottawa Seniors have a deluxe menu of three Affiliated Softball Leagues to choose. The Ottawa Competitive Senior Slo Pitch League (OCSSPL) is by name the most competitive play. Monday Ball is a 50 plus co-ed league that has some harder hit balls and quicker play. Our League however is unique because we pitch to our own team, our amazing Captains take great effort to try to balance our teams equally, and we play for everyone’s enjoyment and success, not necessarily to win-win-win. Despite having played in all 3 Leagues like many of us, I still call myself a Rookie because I am still figuring-out recreational play. Find the right League, or two, for you.
If you are an older player, I have a special message for you. We all share, like it or not, that our love for softball may someday come to a decision whether to hang up our cleats. Please don’t make the mistake of putting your glove away too soon. Our League is more exciting because every pop-up or fly-ball is truly meant to be an adventure. If you find yourself forgetting how many outs, or need a washroom break mid-game, would rather sit than run all the bases, or you maybe don’t see the ball as well…you are our kind of recreational player. If you leave your League too soon, you will affect our great social fabric which we rely upon as recreational players, and which you have personally helped to build. We tend to forget that losing a long-time player we have all come to know as a constant, is losing a bit of our League. If you still want to enjoy softball for fun, our Captains need you.
Alternatively, your League has great opportunities for volunteer umpires, volunteer scorekeepers, maybe non-playing Captains who really get what recreational play is, OR even join as a member of your Executive. If you want to still be part of our League, we will find a safe spot for you where you can continue to let your long-time fellow team-mates enjoy and maintain their friendship with you. Friends and a fun-based softball community keep us healthy and vital.
Paddy