KSSC softball season is just around the corner

It’s nearly softball season in Kingston

There are a lot of great songs about baseball: Centerfield, The Boys of Summer, Glory Days.

There are a lot of great movies too: Moneyball, A League of Their Own, Field of Dreams.

Softball is referenced in a handful of songs by artists as diverse as Young Jeezy, Yo La Tengo, and Kenny Chesney, but there really isn’t a hit about softball. And you definitely can’t count on softball to open a movie.

And yet, softball remains hugely popular. After leaving the Olympics in 2008, softball will be back in 2020. In the United States, it’s estimated that 40 million people play softball at least once a year. In Kingston, softball can be played nearly every night of the week with the Kingston Sport and Social Club (KSSC) alone. It’s KSSC’s most popular sport at any time of the year.

The great thing about softball is that you don’t need to be a powerhouse hitter or a big sprinter. It’s totally fine if you are, as long as you aren’t trying to be a superstar every time you step to bat. What really matters is if you want to have fun.

And that’s kind of a cliché – playing sports just for fun. But it’s a good cliche. When I think about it, everyone I’ve ever spoken about playing softball says that they don’t do it to get in shape. They play to have fun with their friends. A let’s be honest, it’s a not a hugely athletic endeavour. Unless you’re at bat, there’s a good chunk of standing around. It’s a social occasion, with a bit of running and throwing things tossed in for good measure

KSSC plays what is known as three-pitch, where the pitcher and batter are on the same team. If you’re not familiar with the concept, it is a bit of a strange one on paper, but it makes for a much safer and more action-packed game. Instead of constantly trying to make sure the ball does not get hit, this version gives everyone a bit more action.

Games are played every night of the week except Saturday on fields all over Kingston. Players can register at either the recreational level, the intermediate level, or recreational/intermediate if you think you might be kind of good, but really aren’t sure. The important thing is to register. There are a lot of spots available for teams, individuals, or a small group of friends, but some leagues do sell out. So make sure you register for KSSC softball before the deadline on Thursday, Apr. 25, 2019. Then, write a hit song about it and get ready to buy your own softball team.

This article is paid for by Kingston Sport and Social Club as promotional content.