BIG APPLE SOFTBALL LEAGUE FAQ
Q: Where are the games played?
Q: Is the Big Apple Softball League (BASL) only open
to the LGBT community?
A: No. While the league is marketed predominantly in
the LGBT community, anyone, regardless of sexual
orientation, is welcome to play in our league. Playing in
our league should not be considered an indicator of any
particular sexual orientation.
Q: How do I know if my playing ability (or lack
thereof) is appropriate for BASL?
A; BASL is a softball league for everyone! We have
about 40 teams broken up in six divisions based upon
playing levels from the highly competitive to purely
recreational. We also have a seventh division for only
women that is made up of players of all ability. We have a
place for everyone.
Q: How much does it cost to play in BASL?
A: In 2009 the membership fee was $80. This fee covers
the cost of field rentals, bases, trophies and supplementary
insurance for players injured during a game, among other
league expenses. The cost of uniforms and umpire fees are
the responsibility of individual teams. Some teams elect to
wear basic tee shirts and others wear more elaborate
uniforms. Expect to pay about an extra $100 per season
usually paid out in at least two payments. Many teams
defray this cost by getting sponsors such as local bars,
restaurants or small businesses. The more sponsors pay,
the less you do! Check out the “Teams and Sponsors”
section of our website to see who the most recent team
sponsors are. Most teams have bats to share or buy them
collectively out of team funds. You are expected to provide
your own playing glove and rubber soled cleats at all
games.
Q: How long is the BASL playing season?
A; The regular season is from late April to early August
with a two week playoff following that.
Q: Is this all softball and no socializing?
A: In 2009 we played our games in four of the boroughs and
A: Absolutely not! BASL is a great way to meet people.
in New Jersey. East River Park, Hudson River Park, and
There are many organized BASL events such as the draft
Randall’s Island and Roosevelt Island in Manhattan; Prospect
day party, season opening party; the Follies, which is a
Park and Red Hook in Brooklyn; Newtown and Cunningham
league talent show near the end of the season; the awards
Park in Queens; Willowbrook Park on Staten Island; and in
party/elections held in the fall and a holiday party in
New Jersey, Watsessing Field in Bloomfield and Yanticaw
December. Individual teams hold fundraisers to help
Park in Nutley. Game locations are listed on our website
defray their playing costs. Teams frequently go out
under, “2010 Season - Schedule.” Field locations change as
together after games although there is no alcohol permitted
availability does. The league is always looking for good
on or near the playing field.
fields that are convenient to all.
Q: Are there ways to develop leadership skills or
Q: When are the games?
opportunities to volunteer?
A: All games are played during the day on weekends. Most
A: Thanks for asking! Yes, teams elect managers who are
games are on Saturday but some are on Sunday. Playing is
usually experienced players and each team can have two
usually between 9 A.M. and 7 P.M. Game times are listed on
Team Representatives who liaison among the team, the
our website under, “2010 Season - Schedule.”
manager and the league. Although league meetings are
open to all, usually one or more of these folks attend the
Q: How many games do teams play each week?
meeting and report league information back to the team,
A: Most weekends teams will play two 90 minute games.
There are also division representatives and four league
Games are usually consecutive or with a 90 minute break in
executive officers. Volunteers are always needed for
between.
league social events.
Q: Am I required to be at every game?
Q: I don’t want to play but I’d like to be involved with
A: That is certainly ideal but not expected. People have
a team. Is that an option?
major social events they are expected to attend; illness occurs;
A: Yes, the team has a status called “non-player.” These
emergencies happen and we all make vacation plans. Players
individuals contribute in ways such as keep score, coach a
are expected to make a concerted effort to be at as many
base or serve as a cheerleader. These folks pay $35 non-
games as possible, regardless of time or location. Your team
players membership fees primarily to cover the cost of
depends on you and if too many players do not show up, the
insurance.
team may be forced to forfeit the games to the opponent and
pay all umpire fees.
Q: OK, I’m sold! I want to play! What do I do?
Q: How do I know if games are cancelled due to
A: Come to one of our drafts held during the pre-season in
inclement weather?
late March and early April. You have your best chance of
A: Official announcements are posted on the homepage of
getting on a team there. If you can’t make either of those,
our website by 7:30 A.M. on days of questionable weather.
then e-mail Ken Norz, Recruiting Chair at knorz@rcn.com
You can also call the league’s hotline at (212) 696-7482 for
and he will do his best to assist you.
official information.