South Jersey Senior Softball League

12/19/2023

That's why there are members that have been playing for over 40 years in this league! SjSSL :)

12/18/2023

Our league is true teamwork and friendship!

12/17/2023

More softball fun! SJSSL!

12/16/2023

Joke of the week.

12/15/2023

What’s your go to swing?

Softball players use various types of swings depending on the situation and the pitch they are facing. Here are some common types of softball swings:

Normal or Level Swing:
The batter swings the bat on a level plane, aiming to make solid contact with the ball. This is a well-balanced and versatile swing used in various situations.


Power Swing:
The batter takes a more aggressive and powerful swing, often with a slightly uppercut motion. This swing is employed when the goal is to hit the ball for distance, such as aiming for a home run.

Contact Swing:
This swing is focused on making contact with the ball rather than generating power. It involves a shorter, compact motion and is often used when the batter needs to put the ball in play, such as in a bunting situation or with runners on base.

Opposite Field Swing:
The batter intentionally tries to hit the ball to the opposite field, meaning if they are a right-handed batter, they aim to hit towards right field, and vice versa. This can be useful for situational hitting or advancing runners.

Pull Swing:
Opposite of the opposite field swing, the batter aims to hit the ball to their power side, such as a right-handed batter trying to pull the ball to left field. This is often used when looking to drive the ball for extra bases.

Inside-Out Swing:
The batter swings in a way that the bat head leads through the hitting zone, promoting hitting the ball to the opposite field. This is a finesse swing often used by skilled hitters.

Bunt:
Instead of a full swing, the batter holds the bat out to lightly tap the ball into play. This is commonly used to advance runners or catch the defense off guard.

Slap Hitting:
A unique technique where the batter takes a running start and makes contact with the ball as they move toward first base. This is often used by left-handed batters to utilize their speed and disrupt the defense.
Players may adapt their swings based on the game situation, the pitcher they are facing, and the overall team strategy. Developing versatility in swing techniques is crucial for successful softball hitting.

12/14/2023

How do you walk up to the plate? Do you do the slide shuffle? Disco dance? Electric Slide?

5 Tips on hitting... slowpitch softball.

1. Walk up to the plate w/ 100% confidence.
2. Have an attainable goal to hit the ball hard. If you hit it hard, YOU WIN, if you get a hit, it's a bonus, so get rid of the batting average.
3. Attack the inner half of the ball w/ a tall back-side.
4. Help your team win.
5. Keep your eye on the ball and pray you don't pull a muscle.

12/13/2023

Amen.

12/13/2023

20 helpful tips for players who will be joining us for the 2024 Season!

1. Go to batting practice. It’s a 12-inch bright yellow ball tossed gently by the pitcher but if you haven’t swung the bat in a while, you are going to feel like a Little Leaguer attending your first practice. And this time dad won’t be there to tell you to rotate your hips.

2. Loosen up before the game. Don’t want to be negative here, but half of you are going to pull a muscle running to first base. This is guaranteed. However, a little stretching, jogging and playing catch in advance might help you make it through the season, extend your softball career and someday become eligible for our “Highlighted Player of the Week.”

3. Don’t complain about the weather. You’re playing ball outdoors in all seasons and conditions. Your family and friends back home most certainly are not.
Also, Know the rules. You can’t wear excessive jewelry, don’t wear your hat backward and one that most likely will never apply to you: no need to run the bases if you hit a home run over the fence.

4. Remember the Code of Conduct. No cursing or being rude or aggressive, not even in the parking lot. And you are responsible for the behavior of your family members and guests so don’t pretend you don’t know them when they curse the umpire after you are called out looking at strike three.

5. Don’t gripe about the lineup. You’re a rookie (like everyone else) so your manager is going to bat you tenth and have you play catcher just like all the other guys. Look on the bright side, it’s a great opportunity to meet the opposing team when they come to bat.

6. Don’t brag about your batting average. Should you be fortunate enough to start hitting, do remember our scorekeepers are notorious for their generosity. You’re probably not really batting .675 in the non-retirement world.

7. Do brag about a legitimate home run. Again, highly unlikely but it’s one that goes over the fence, 300 feet from home plate. A ground ball through the left fielder’s legs is not something you should happily share with your grandchildren. Even they know it’s not a real homer.

8. Don’t slide. Nothing good comes from it.

9. Don’t criticize your teammates. Not everyone won a varsity letter in high school baseball or softball. They could be better than you at golf or pickleball.

10. Respect the older guys. You should be in awe that they are still playing.

11. Conversation on the bench when your team is at bat is an important part of the game experience. However, do stay away from politics. You’re bound to offend someone and maybe even your manager who will certainly continue to bat you tenth and play catcher for the remainder of the season.

12. Trade insults. Good natured ribbing is perfectly acceptable and in fact, encouraged. It’s important to let your Dallas' Fan teammate know that the Cowgirls are going to choke in the playoffs like he just did at bat.

13. Don’t knock the courtesy runner rule. Chances are you will probably need one by the second game of the season.

14. Don’t give the umpires a hard time. They are not getting paid enough, they are your neighbors and won’t yell at you when you make an error or hit yet another weak grounder to the pitcher.

15. Volunteer. We always need field maintenance support and on game day, people to put out the trash, sweep the dugout, lock up. Just like at home.

16. Support our sponsors. Why go to just any heating and cooling company when there’s Tre Famiglia or Anywhere Mini Golf Or any other place to train when there’s the Marlton Field HOuse. Plus, their support helps make playing the Senior Softball League a bargain.

17. Remember your age. We’re all 20 in our minds, but our bodies aren’t. Your glory days are behind you. We want you want to come home in the same condition you left the house.

18. Don’t forget why you’re here. It’s the three f’s: fun, friendship and fitness. No one is getting a trophy. The Texas Rangers already won the World Series.

19. Be thankful. You put on a team uniform, hit a ball, catch (mostly) and throw it and run the bases. You get to be a kid again for two hours a day with your neighbors and friends. That’s a win right there!

20. Have fun and make off the field friendships! That's what this league is about!

12/12/2023

This week's league sponsor of the week is Tre Famiglia Ristorante the best BYOB and Italian food restaurant in South Jersey.

Over 100 years and counting…..Tre Famiglia Ristorante, a family owned and operated business, opened its Haddonfield location during the early part of 2005 after delighting numerous generations of its clientele at their former century old Philadelphia location. Members of the Cipollone Family have set out to bring the old world flavors to the south jersey suburbs. Overseen by the patriarch in the family, Vincent “Chip” Cipollone -formerly of Chip‘s Italian Restaurant of South Philadelphia- Est. 1903

TELEPHONE
(856) 429-1447

ADDRESS
403-405 N Haddon Ave
Haddonfield, NJ 08033

12/12/2023

Interesting science in being active as you get older.

12/11/2023

The BEST softball league in all of South Jersey! SJSSL! :)

12/09/2023