Dear Softball Player,

We are starting our 14^th season of POP’S Softball this year. POP’S consists of two leagues, a 40 & over league and a 50 & over league.  This year we have 22 -24 teams in 40 & Over and 16 teams in 50 & Over. Totaling over 675 players.

There are 3 divisions in the 40 & Over League:

 The American division – the more established, more competitive division, the National division – the less established, not yet as competitive league, and the Central division - the newer teams, designed to have more fun, and get acclimated to the league. The same format in 50 & over league will be used as last year with 2 divisions the American and National.

We use Clincher Gold softballs, high arc pitching 6-10 feet, and special rules to prevent against injuries (See Rules on website).

ASA umpires, as well as directors at all games to discuss any discrepancies. 

This year we will continue under the lights at our home field Oceanside High School. New for this year, due to the continued growth at POPS, we will play weeknights at the recently renovated Oceanside High School, new start times; starting at 6:30pm/ 7:45pm/ and 9:00pm. Games are also played throughout Long Island on great fields such as Eisenhower Park on Monday nights, with game times to start at 7:15 pm/8:30pm.  There will also be games at Baldwin Park on Wednesday and Thursday nights with game times 8:15pm & 9:30pm, as well as some additional games at New Bridge Park, (Bellmore), Merrick Town Park, and Shell Creek Park (Island Park).  Starting last year we added Cow Meadow Park (Freeport) for Thursday nights. We also will use Bellmore JFK High School and Calhoun High School (Merrick) with 6:30 pm starts.

For the 40 & over league, all games will be played Monday – Wednesdays. For 50 & over, games will be played on Thursdays and some Fridays. Make-ups are usually played on Fridays. 

The regular season will begin in the first week of May with playoffs to finish late August, so plan your vacations accordingly (Early July is best month).

All teams will then meet for the real season “playoff time”.  Standings will be kept throughout the season in each division to determine positions for the playoffs (i.e. first place will play last place, depending on byes) and as always, “EVERY team” makes the playoffs. 

* POPS plays a Double elimination format for the playoffs.

All five divisions, in both leagues will have their own Champion, and every player on the championship team will receive championship awards, such as jackets or pullovers and of course each manager will receive the coveted “Pastuch Diamond”. Every year we celebrate the close of POP’S regular season with the “End of the year Dinner” (POP’S will pay for all division winners) -- Everyone is invited for a great night of dinner, drinks and awards presentation, at Oceanside Jewish Center, catered by Robert Ian Caterers.  Last year over 175 people attended.

POPS is most proud of its parity, where there were 5 different division winners in 2011, or a new winner for each division in each league.

New for this year, the popular All-Star game will be played Mid-Season. The game will be played pitting All-Stars from each division, in both the 40 and 50 & over leagues.  Like last year…fair teams will be made by the directors. Each All Star receives a shirt to commemorate the day. Introduction of players & a huge turnout highlight the day.

Then to finish the year up, we start our “Fall Ball” League. This league runs from about Labor Day (September) to the end of November. We allow NEW teams and players outside of POPS eligible to play. Based on its success we now have two divisions an A & B in Fall Ball.

To play in POPS…All players must send in a completed application (leaving NO lines blank) and must sign the BACK of the application for the Liability WAIVER.  All NEW players must also submit a copy of their driver’s license along with their check.

Returning players, if you were not happy with last year’s team you can always go into the “Free Agency”” to switch to a NEW team.  (This is left up to the discretion of the Directors based on talent and parity.)  Just note it on your application or call me. 

Please note the deadline to register is March 31st.  Late registration after that date will require an additional $15 fee from the insurance company. 

I look forward to hearing from you soon.  Feel free to call with any questions or comments: (H) 379-0606, (C) 655-1141. Just ask for Keith. Or email me at: commish@popsoftball.com

Let’s Play Ball!

Keith Pastuch … A.K.A.  “Commish”