RRSA 2023 Board (left to right): Gary Warrick (vice president), Debbie Hinson (senior commissioner), Jerry Bennett (at-large), Sue Kamrath (secretary), Mike Braam (commissioner), Sean Curry (president); not pictured: Ty Nelson (treasurer), Jerry Hinson (at-large)
Rosemary “Killer” Myers-Neagli
When the 2023 RRSA Board sent out an email to “dust off your spikes, oil your gloves, and shine up your bats,” softballers know that the spring season is soon to begin. As our Texas RR community grows, so does the opportunity to meet your neighbors in a fun, active, and social softball league. Better yet, games are played on a top-notch amenity located on our own community “Field of Dreams.”
Preparation for a new season is crucial for any sport, and softball is no exception. Our RRSA Board began working on 2023 at the end of the 2022 fall season. As a result, fresh faces were added to the board; new league rules of play were drafted for safer, fairer play; and the 2023 season schedule is posted on the softball website. Experienced softball leaders have been appointed to facilitate the training of returning and new volunteers to learn to become an umpire, scorekeeper, game announcer, scoreboard operator, field maintenance, first aid, or a game reporter. Anyone interested in meeting people, volunteering, or just enjoying watching softball can play an active role in our RR softball. If you volunteer and are not playing on a softball team, you can expect training, fun, camaraderie, and (in the case of an umpire) a uniform, and you pay no yearly association dues.
From Jan. 2 through Feb. 11, RRSA registration forms for any new or returning players can be downloaded and/or completed from the RRSA website, www.quickscores.com/robsonranch. New on this year’s application is whether you consent to have your name or your picture appear in any RRSA weekly game report or Pioneer Press publication. A completed registration entitles a player to participate in one or several leagues: a Monday through Thursday evening Co-Ed team; Tuesday morning Day League team, Wednesday morning Senior League team, or on a competitive 65+/70+ tournament traveling team. Last year my own spouse Tom played in three leagues and was one of the hardworking Co-Ed team managers.
Several opportunities to practice and be evaluated by the “Draft Committee” are scheduled throughout February. A player evaluator assesses certain game skills: throwing the ball, catching the ball, batting, running, and your general knowledge of the game. When all potential players have been assessed, this committee goes to work to “draft” Co-Ed teams, which are as evenly matched in skill levels as possible. On Feb. 28 the big pizza and beer “Team Reveal” party will be held in the clubhouse Lone Star and Legacy Rooms. This year’s first spring league game is on Monday, March 27.
So, what are you waiting for? Batter Up … Let’s Play Ball!