American Softball

04/30/2026

https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fny1.com%2Fnyc%2Fall-boroughs%2Fnews%2F2026%2F04%2F22%2Fnew-yorker-of-the-week--randy-novick%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHuWcIaKVr0mjeOsvLWMfl-GLLu-Dex_eqBkkG9X6oFdfVcduAILilC0tl69B_aem_jn_EFdvOI4b1afRVw1l6nA&h=AT5cszOIyuSEUBVD3ouIiLF5Fg9YJjEuNu1HQKBcU5meslAArU2xxEyjlB2MAg1QpoCraYxSdIvR1sVK4zF-43P20ZJqNtf2mFugc82hGCyWqrdT1nWQMY_swjYthQvQ5sNtDjuqBVTkiQnNxUJmbJBrOOOBDA&__tn__=H-R&c[0]=AT7uTRejJyNT_XdkLcRIk74lKf2zrDTOmRirTgBRwSk9fO8RfFdeJk_zGV8o4i80l5dXrYRs348zB0-YZ-Fm6OBbGpKYOXsXszfGlnbxksdSIz4tU5Qz27gIAY8CBen3bJ5d8kYLLY3ekewGf7DijK3REq9GemilsaWFfPD4Ja1oWjD2pPE0osRBcYe98NR46PFfZyJb

He's knocking it out of the park with athletes of all abilities.

04/05/2026

American Softball 15th Opening Day Recap

Saturday, April 4th was a truly unforgettable milestone as we celebrated the 15th Opening Day of American Softball. This season is especially meaningful, with every single player receiving a scholarship, ensuring that all of our athletes with Autism and Developmental Disabilities can enjoy the game they love without barriers.
We were also treated to a very special surprise guest. The New York Mets Mascot joined us on the field, and the excitement was off the charts. He took pictures with every player, shared high-fives, and brought smiles that lit up the entire ballpark. The joy on our players’ faces said it all.
It was a beautiful day of community, inclusion, pure happiness and everything American Softball stands for.

03/25/2026

Coach Randy and Coach Rachel of American Softball, a specialized softball league catering to individuals with autism and developmental disabilities actively participated in the Save The Date Family Resource Fair held at Francis Lewis High School, an event designed to provide support for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The fair boasted an extensive lineup of over 60 vendors and drew attendance from several hundred families. An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legally binding document that outlines the unique educational needs, goals, and support services required for students with disabilities to achieve academic success.

10/26/2025

American Softball was honored to take part in the 39th Halloween parade, sponsored by the Kiwanis of Howard Beach. A special thank you is owed to Coach Tina Roseman, Coach Joanna Marie DiRosa, Coach Michelle Bradford and Coach Thomas Fochetta for their contributions to the parade's success.

04/27/2025

American Softball kicked off with a fantastic opening day. We made the front cover of the Queens Chronicle.

Queens Chronicle 04-24-25

04/26/2025

American Softball invites you to the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Walk and Resource Fair on Saturday, May 31 from 2 PM - 5PM

07/06/2024

07/03/2024

American Softball, a special softball league for Autism and Developmental Disabilities had our last game the World Series on Saturday, June 29th, 2024. Coach Tina Roseman said this was a fantastic day, with a tremendous turnout. We awarded trophies to all of our players. We also handed out awards to our volunteer coaches who gave their time unconditionally to help us on the field. We provided a beautiful lunch as our way of thanking them for being part of our “special” league. We are looking forward to our 14th season in 2025..

06/16/2024

My favorite team American Softball for Autism.
Saturday June 15, 2024

04/17/2024

This past Tuesday, Coach Tom (Gaetano Tufano) and I were proud to represent American Softball at the Family Resource Fair at Francis Lewis High School for students with intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities. Over a few hundred families attended this great event.

03/08/2024

Press Release for American Softball

American Softball, A League for Autism & Developmental Disabilities will have their Opening Day game on Saturday, April 6th, 2024, at 10:00 AM in Ozone Park, N.Y. 11417

American Softball’s first game of their 13th season will be played at the Vito Locascio Field in Ozone Park. They will open with the Pledge of Allegiance, with the American Flag held by the Girl Scouts of America. The Star-Spangled Banner will be performed by singing sensation Kathy Leon.

Please join the American Softball Organization by giving their players a cheer of support.

Inline image
Location: VITO LOCASCIO FIELD in OZONE PARK, N.Y. 11417 AT 149th AVENUE and CROSS BAY BOULEVARD

HOWARD BEACH / OZONE PARK, NY- American Softball is a Co-Ed Softball Program dedicated to people with Autism and other Developmental Disabilities. American Softball is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. Their softball league consists of people who have special needs. Players come from various organizations throughout Queens, as well as Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Long Island, such as; Services for the Underserved, Bernard Fineson, Little Flowers, Unique People Services, Lifespire, LifeWorc, and YAI. Players come from the NYC Board of Education’s District 75 Schools and also New York Families for Autistic Children (NYFAC).

Opening Day for 2023 was a huge success. New York State Attorney General Leticia James was there to throw out the first pitch. Also in attendance were State Senator Joseph Addabbo, Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer- Amato, and Councilwoman Joann Ariola who are always there to support American Softball. Community Board 9 Chair Sherry Algredo, Community Board 10 Chair Betty Braton, and Community Board 6 District Manager Frank Gulluscio were also there to share the day with this special league. The Girl Scouts presented the flag and Kathy Leon, a phenomenal singer, sang the National Anthem along with the players. One player sang Take Me Out to The Ball Game and then shouted, "Play Ball" and they did!

American Softball is making a difference for these unique and special people. This season they expect to have over 130 players. They keep growing. It’s a league of their own!!

Opening Day will be held on Saturday, April 6th, 2024 from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM and will play every Saturday until the end of June. Come watch their players in action. It will certainly warm your heart.

For more information, please visit www.AmericanSoftball.org or email: [email protected]

Or contact Randy Novick (contact information below).

Contact:
Randy Novick -Founder & CEO
American Softball
161-52 86th Street
Howard Beach, NY 11414
Office: 718-480-6265
Cell: 917-355-0651

The American Softball League is a Special Needs Program for Autism and Developmental Disabilities. The players get together once a week to a fun, non-competitive social environment.