College of the Redwoods Softball Clinic, Monday, February 16th, 9am to 1pm

The College of the Redwoods is hosting a softball clinic on Monday, February 16th at the CR Field House. That's President's Day folks, so our players and at least a few of us parents and coaches have the day off to participate in this great clinic. The clinic is open to all players from grades 3 to 12.

$30 if you register by February 12th; $40 to register at the door. Doors open at 8:30 for early registration.

Check out the CR Softball website for more information. We'd love to see a great turn-out of Mad River players at the clinic.

A great day for softball! Images from our Winter Warm-up Clinic

Nearly 60 girls from ages 7 to 10 joined 8 Mad River coaches and 8 of our big sister all-stars for a Sunday afternoon of great softball instruction and way too much fun than we should be having in February. The League had full use of Humboldt State's spacious Field House for the entire afternoon. The players, several of them on on a softball field for the first time, enjoyed rotating 30 minute sessions on hitting, infielding, catching and throwing, baserunning and pitching. While the weather outside would've been perfect for playing on a real diamond, the roof over our heads didn't diminish the sunny smiles of our coaches, all-stars, and players. Our thanks to everyone who came out to play, and especially to our Big Sisters who gave up an afternoon to help teach the next generation of great Mad River Softball players how to play this wonderful game.

Now, just a few pictures of yesterday's fun:

Warming up.

Throwing & catching.

Line drive!

Snacks...of course.

The Wind-up.

Comin' home.

Our Big-Sister All-Stars

Remember, sign-ups are going on now and the season begins in early April. A 2008 registration form can be found with a simple click on the right of this page, or email us and we'll send you one.

Play Ball...soon! The 2008 Girls Softball Season is just a few rainy days away.

A good rainy January afternoon to all of you. Where I sit, it's a cool, drizzly 51 degrees. The skies are gray and full of moisture.

But you know what? It's not going to stay this way, and before too long our hands will yearn for the cool smoothness of a well-worn leather mitt. Our fingers will reach for the gentle rise of red-stiches on a yellow ball. Our ears will anticipate the slap of ball against leather and the ringing ping when the bat strokes that first pitch into the outfield grass beneath a warm spring Humboldt County sun.

Yes, the softball season is just around the corner. Your very own Mad River Girls Fastpitch Softball Association is already well along in preparing for the 2008 Spring Season. Our player assessment day is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, April 5th at the HSU Field House. Practices will begin by April 7th with games running from April 19th through June 7th.

In these pages in coming days and weeks, you'll find information regarding our first annual "Winter Warm-Up", a special clinic for all girls between 7 and 10 led by some of our best coaches and big sister players from the upper divisions.

Our league's calender is already posted here, as is our new email address where you can direct any questions or suggestions directly to our board of directors and coaches. You'll also find our 2008 spring player registration form and 2008 league sponsorship forms right here. (2008 registration forms will be mailed to all players from last year at the end of January! Anyone else who wants one, feel free to request one by phone at 822-3575 or via email at madrivergirlssoftball@gmail.com)

This blog will be updated periodically as time allows and necessity demands. Bookmark us now and check back often. And please take advantage of our email address to ask your questions or share some ideas on how to make the best youth softball league on the north coast even better.

Begin to loosen up those arms. Find a few minutes to toss the ball around with Mom, Dad, neighbors, or against the side of the house. The welcome cry of "Play Ball!" is just a few short weeks away.

'til next time.