Dear Softball Player, 

As we start our 10^th season of POP’S Softball we continue to grow. POP’S now has two leagues, a 40 & over league and a 50 & over league.  We are expecting between 18-20 teams in 40 & over, and between 10-12 teams in 50 & over. 

 The format in the 40 & over league will continue, and once again we will have the American division – the more established, more competitive division, and the National division – the less established, newer teams designed to have more fun. 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 at Eisenhower Park for Monday nights under the lights, with game times to start at 7:15 pm/8:30pm (two games/four different teams per night).  We will continue weeknights at Bellmore JFK High School and Calhoun High School with 6:30 pm starts, and at the newly renovated Oceanside High School under the lights, starting at 7pm/ 8:30pm.

New for this year we have added Baldwin Park on Wednesday nights with game times 8:15pm & 9:30pm 

All games will be played Monday – Wednesdays for 40 & over, and Thursdays for 50 & over, with all make-ups on Fridays.  The regular season will begin in the first week of May with playoffs to finish late August, so plan your vacations accordingly (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.  Double elimination format for the playoffs will be continued. 

Each division 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”.  This year again, everyone is invited to the “Dinner with the Winner” (POP’S will pay for all division winners) -- a great night of dinner, drinks and awards presentation, at Oceanside Jewish Center, catered by Robert Ian Caterers. 

Due to its popularity, an end of the year All-Star game will be played pitting All-Stars from the American league vs. National league in the 40 & over division. In 50 & over, fair teams are made by the directors. Each All Star receives a shirt to commemorate the day. 

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.   

Remember, if you were not happy with last year’s team you can always ask to be switched 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, W 822-1900, C 655-1141).  Just ask for Keith. 

Let’s Play Ball! 

Keith Pastuch … A.K.A.  “Commish”