Softball
The BNBSL softball program is part of the Essex County Women's Softball League (ECWSL) and is separate and distinct from the baseball program participating in the local intertown league. Participating players include 1st through 8th graders and fall into four divisions: Instructional, Farm, Juniors, and Seniors.
As of 2024, ECWSL allows 4th graders to play at either the Farm or Junior level, and 6th graders to play at either the Junior or Senior level, depending on ability and need. NEW in 2025: we will offer an Instructional 1st/2nd-grade softball team. Kindergarteners should continue to register for Tee Ball, and 1st and 2nd graders may choose to play softball on the Instructional team or Single A/Double A baseball. Please contact our softball coordinator (softball@bnbsl.org) if you have questions about the different programs and which is best for your child.
Ages
What aged players are appropriate for this program?
Instructional: 1st and 2nd Graders
Farm: 3rd and 4th Graders
Juniors: 5th and 6th Graders
Seniors: 7th and 8th Graders
NOTE: 4th and 6th graders have the option to play up a level if needed. This will be determined by an evaluation prior to the season.
When
What time of the year does this program run?
Pre-season begins in March with indoor practices and moves to outdoor practices in April. Regular season games begin at the end of April and run through mid-June.
Where
Where are practices and games typically held?
Instructional, Farm, and Juniors: Practices and home games are held at the Newbury Elementary School Softball field.
Seniors: Practices and home games are held at the Triton JV Softball Fields.
For all levels, away games are scheduled at locally participating towns through ECWSL.
Practices
When are practices, and how often are they?
March: Teams may practice on Sundays at Governor's Academy Field House in March. A schedule will be announced.
Practices are held outside two days a week after 5 p.m., typically for an hour and a half. Once games begin, practices are reduced.
In addition to regular practices, we try to offer developmental clinics prior to the season.
Games
How many games will they play? What days of the week?
All game schedules are coordinated through ECWSL.
Instructional: 1 game a week on Sundays.
Farm: Teams will play 10-12 games over the course of the season during weekdays.
Juniors and Seniors: Teams will play 10-12 games over the course of the season during weekdays. These levels are eligible for additional playoff games after the regular season.
Uniforms and Equipment
Are full uniforms provided, or are they purchased separately?
Players at all levels will receive a team jersey and socks, which should be worn to each game. Players are responsible for their pants.
Players should bring their own appropriate-sized glove, bat, cleats, and batting helmet with a face guard. Each team has extra helmets and bats if needed. Fielding masks are optional but highly recommended for infielders and a must for pitchers.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
What are the differences between the divisions?
Instructional: Players may hit off a tee or off coach pitching. Each team hits through the entire batting order before switching to defense. No score is officially kept.
Farm: Pitchers pitch from a 35-foot pitching distance. If a pitcher walks three batters in a half inning, then a coach comes in to pitch to their team to finish the inning. Coaches cannot field the ball. Pitchers may pitch again at any point in the game. There is no stealing or bunting, and a maximum of 4 runs can be scored per inning.
Juniors: This is the first level of competitive play within ECWSL. Players do all the pitching, and the pitching distance increases to 40 feet. Limited stealing of second and third base is allowed (baserunner may leave when the ball crosses the plate).
Seniors: Pitchers pitch from a 43-foot pitching distance. Competitive play includes full stealing of second, third, and home (baserunners may leave their base when the ball leaves the pitcher's hand).
I want to buy the right size softball for my player to practice with at home; what size should I buy?
Instructional: 11” softie training balls
Farm: 11" fast-pitch softballs
Juniors and Seniors: 12" fast-pitch softballs
2025 Softball
Registration for the Spring 2025 season has closed.
If you wish to inquire if spaces are still available, please reach out to our softball coordinator or our registrar. Contact information can be found on the "About" tab under "Board of Directors."