Note: Space is limited. Per our mission, teams representing non-profit organizations will be given priority slotting in the league. Please contact info@noprosports.org for more information. 

FAQ

What if I’ve never played softball or baseball before?
Don’t worry! This is a very casual league. We’re here to have fun and swing some bats in the sun.

Where are we playing?
McCarren Park – Gilroy Field (the one with the lights), Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

How many teams in the league?
There are 6 teams playing in the Fall Softball League.

When are we playing?
Roughly September - November.

What do I need to bring?
Players need to bring a glove and a positive attitude. Team captains need some additional gear (balls, a base, nothing crazy).

What if it rains?
We’ll make the call from NoPro HQ at least 90 minutes before the game, and we will postpone your game You’ll be notified via Email and Twitter.

I don’t have enough people for a full team. Can I sign up as an individual?
Not at this time. Please note that our first priority is to fill the league with teams representing non-profit organizations- if there is space for additional non-affiliated teams / individuals, entry will be granted on a first come first serve basis.

Where does my league fee go?
It goes mostly towards paying umpires. Other league expenses include web hosting, park permits, end of season award banquet, and private jets (jk!). League administrators aren’t compensated in any way.

Are there playoffs?
Yes! There will be a thrilling single-elimination playoff tournament at the end of the season. Exact format is still TBD, stay tuned for further details.

I have more questions!
Great! Email the league managers at info@noprosports.org.

RULES  Updated 8/5/13

A. Guidelines 

- Have fun.

- Don’t get angry.  It’s not about winning.

- Get a full team to all your games.

- Make friends.

- This is a very casual league.  All levels of play are welcome, but we expect the level of competition to be on the low end.

B. Length of Play & Doubleheader Timing

- All games will be 7 innings

- A game may end in a tie

C. Defense

- You’re allowed 10 fielders

- If a team is short on females, they can begin play, but they must follow the system below

4 females = 10 total fielders (6 male, 4 female)

3 females = 9 total fielders (6 male, 3 female), must have male catcher

2 females = 8 total fielders (6 male, 2 female), must have male pitcher, + 1 catcher from the opposing team that can't cover home

D. Offense

- This is a co-ed league

- No more than three people of the same gender may bat in a row.

- Everyone on the team bats in a consistent order through the entire game. If someone is on the roster and present for the game, they are in the batting order for the entire game regardless if they are playing the field in that specific inning. (This rules previous definition was “Everyone bats. Fun!”)

- No intentional walking.  We all like playing.

- Strikes

            - A strike is a pitched ball that lands in a box defined by the umpire behind home plate.

            - This box is about eighteen inches from the corners of the plate, and exactly as wide as the plate.

            - The ball must travel higher than the batters head but no higher than twelve feet, unless the batter is thirteen feet tall.

            - Pitching mound distance it’s not strictly enforced. It should be close to the ASA distance, but if someone is having control issues, they are allowed to adjust to a comfortable distance within reason.

            - There is NO rule calling batters out on a foul third strike.

            - If a batted ball is hit and rolls underneath the distant iron fence along Driggs Avenue side, it is considered a home run, not a dead ball.

E. Sliding/Stealing/Leading

- Sliding is not explicitly prohibited. We discourage it, but in some cases it can be safer to slide than barrel into the person on the bag. 

- Don’t plow the catcher over.  We’re friends.

- There is no stealing or leading off any base.

- Baserunners can only leave once the batter has made contact with the pitch.

F. Equipment

Beyond the basics (gloves, bats, positive attitude) you must bring…

- A new “Clincher” style ball.  You can find these at Paragon or Modell’s in a yellow/green box.  Perhaps you can find them cheaper elsewhere.  If so, let us know.

- A base. We’ll use this for first base.

- If you’d like to bring three bases, that would be awesome and make your game more fun. It’s up to you; we understand they are a pain to carry on the bus/subway/fixie.

G. Rainouts

- We’ll postpone games if the field is unplayable due to weather.  We’ll call or send you an email if your game is rained out.

- Don’t assume your game is rained out.  Rain early in the day doesn’t mean your game will definitely be postponed.

- We’ll make the rainout decision at least 90 minutes before the start of a game.

H. Playoffs

- Fall: Top 3 teams make the playoffs

- 3 seed (Away) plays the 2 seed (Home)

            - Winner of 3/2 plays the 1 seed (Home)

- Tiebreakers

            1. Head-to-Head regular season

            2. Run Differential

            3. Play-In Game (if possible) 

I. Miscellany

- No mercy rule.

- No metal spikes, unless your game is on top of a glacier.

- If an umpire doesn’t show up, please contact one of the league managers immediately.  Until a solution is reached, the last batter to come up in each half inning will serve as umpire.  

- If you see lightning, the game will be paused and likely postponed at the umpire’s discretion.

Use common sense.

- Have fun!