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A useful way to play softball
by Richard Crodsky "Batter up. Play ball . . . It's the top of the 150th inning with the red team leading the yellow team by 40 runs. Will the 12:00 to 2:00 a.m. shift take the field? Some of these cliches are familiar sounds at the old ball park. But, some add a new twist—like having a game last 48 hours nonstop! This Annual Softball Marathon is spearheaded by the Morton Grove Park District with the cooperation of the Des Plaines, Golf-Maine, Lincolnwood, Niles, Park Ridge, and Skokie Park Districts. It most recently happened the weekend of June 12-14, 1981. This Annual Softball Marathon fund raising event helps our special recreation association gain public recognition and the extra needed funds to help offset operating expenses. All park districts involved with special recreation associations should realize the need of the association's vital leisure services to the handicapped population of our communities. The dedicated and highly specialized staff people of the associations have the training and expertise to work effectively with handicapped children and adults. "Parent Districts" should come to their aid when the associations are in need of it. Thus, the reason for the Softball Marathon. One might ask what it takes to run an activity of this nature. In a simple statement—"People dedicated to the cause of helping those less fortunate." To understand the full extent of this program one must look into the past as a starting point. The softball marathon was conceived in the Summer of 1978 by the Morton Grove Park District recreation staff. The emphasis was to raise funds for M-NASR and to provide a weekend of softball fun for those participating. The entry fee of $5.00 included a souvenir t-shirt with the rest of the proceeds (above the cost of the shirts) going towards fund raising needs. The first year turned out to be successful as 150 players on four (4) hour shifts made up the 48 hour marathon. Since 1978 many innovations have been implemented to generate more funds, fun and excitement as part of this special weekend. Having special attractions draws more people to watch the activities.
Therefore, in 1979, individuals involved in staging the event started having the Chicago Bears, the Sting, the Sting Cheerleaders, the Bulls, the Bulls Cheerleaders, the Chicago Fire Cheerleaders, the Honey Bears and Chicago T.V. and radio personalities appear at the Marathon. Not only do these groups appear for free, they also help promote the program. These sports personalities attract large crowds and put on a great ball game. 1981 marked a milestone for sponsorship of the Marathon. The seven (7) Park Districts that make up the Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation all participated in the coordination of this year's marathon weekend. The cooperative spirit helped the public relations campaign, fund raising and player participation levels reach new highs. From writing a $500 check in 1978 to over $2,000 in 1981 we are proud our Marathon has helped so many needy individuals. History gives a perspective of what has happened and how that can be improved on. The following will give some details as to rules and set-up of a softball marathon. Optimal conditions would call for no rain, good field conditions, and a lot of people who like to have a good time! However some realistic approaches are suggested below: Divide the 48 hours into time periods, i.e., 6 four hour playing shifts. Have two (2) teams designated by two (2) colors (red and yellow will do fine). 10 girls and 10 guys per shift per team will supply you with enough bodies to get through the allotted periods. For example, if 40 people sign-up for the 8-12 shift, half will be red team members and half yellow team members with 50% of each team male and female. Individuals should be 18 years and older. Adequate restroom facilities are essential as is a lighted softball diamond. You can use any type of softball. We prefer 14 inch mush ball as it's easier to catch and it doesn't hurt when you miss it. Co-Ed softball rules will give you a good set of playing rules. Make your own Marathon fun rules, i.e., guys bat opposite handed. Above all remind everyone to have a good time! After the rules are established the next step is to market your Marathon. The following suggestions may be brain storming ideas for you. If they are accomplished the sky can be the limit! 1. Hold a softball team league meeting with all of the adult Illinois Parks and Recreation 42 September/October 1981 softball teams in the district leagues. Explain the program and how each person can get involved (players, umpires, score-keepers, or just on-lookers. These people might be given the first opportunity to sign up. 2. Make sure area newspapers, radio stations, cable T.V. (if available) and other multi-media organizations receive PSA's and other news release information. If their endorsement can be obtained, or a group of people from these agencies actually play, great coverage including feature stories may result. 3. Contact volunteers, civic leaders organizations and inform them as to the purpose of the event. A game between the local police and fire departments is the type of special attraction that tends to bring out the crowds. 4. Try to tie in the activity with a Community, State or National celebration, i.e.. Recreation and Parks Month, The Mayor's proclamation of "Baseball Week" or "Life, Be in it." 5. Involve area merchants in advertising and supplying prizes for raffles held throughout the weekend. Create an ad book where merchants buy space and advertise their goods. Make them available to everyone. They are a great source of revenue for the activity. 6. Have a concession stand. Sell beverages (non-alcoholic), food and souvenir t-shirts. This is a good money maker, but most importantly the concessions will be a source of nourishment during the long weekend. 7. Let everyone's imagination and creativity go wild! If the above steps are followed, a successful event is assured. All 'it really takes is team work, long range planning and creativity. The 1981 Softball Marathon was a triumph because over 350 people participated in playing and over 1,000 visited the park. All this and more was done through rain and poor playing conditions. But the biggest success was all the people that became heroes to the special recreation people and participants for whom they played. Illinois Parks and Recreation 43 September/October 1981 |
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