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Tips for New Players and Teams Looking to Join Big Apple Softball League.
No! While the league is marketed predominantly in the LGBTQIA+ community, anyone, regardless of sexual orientation and/or gender identity, is welcome to play in our league. Playing in our league should not be considered an indicator of any particular sexual orientation or gender identity.
In the spring season teams will play an average of ten weekends (around 20 games total) not including the playoff tournament weekend.
In the fall season teams will play an average of 5 weekends (around 10 games) not including the playoff tournament weekend.
Our Spring Season Player Fee is $125.
This league fee covers the cost of field permits, equipment bases, softballs, first-aid kits, and trophies, and various other league operational expenses.
Each player may also need to pay an additional $100-$200, to help their team cover the cost of uniforms, team supplies, etc. Some teams defray this cost by getting sponsors/partners such as local bars, restaurants or small businesses. The more sponsors/partners pay, the less you do!
Most teams have bats to share, or they buy them collectively out of team funds. You are expected to provide your own fielder’s glove and rubber-soled cleats, sneakers are allowed but no metal cleats.
If you are new to softball and aren’t sure which glove to get check out this helpful guide. You specifically want a glove for slowpitch softball.
Some of our games are played on grass fields and others on turf.
While we try our best to ensure players end up on teams that are a good fit for their skill level and interests, we know that we don’t always get it right.
BASL wants to ensure that all players have a positive and fun experience in our league. If you are not enjoying your time in the league, reach out to your division rep or the assistant commissioner within two weeks of the end of the second recruitment day to discuss options. You can email commissioners@bigapplesoftball.com if you need help.
We offer a place for players of all skill levels to play softball in a friendly and fun environment.
The league is currently divided into open (mixed gender) divisions and W+ divisions. Each division represents a different skill level and competitive attitude, from the highly competitive to the purely recreational. We have a place for everyone!
All games are played during the day on weekends.
Most Spring softball games are on Saturday but some are on Sunday. Playing is usually between 9 A.M. and 7 P.M. Game times will be listed in the Sports Engine app.
Fall Ball Games are ONLY on Saturdays.
You can review the schedule from previous seasons.
There are several ways to check the status of games:
Messages are usually sent out around 7:30AM for early morning games. We recommend you check back if you have afternoon games—fields may become playable later in the day on sunny days.
Pro Tip: If you have games on Randall's Island: The Randall's Island Twitter account usually tweets about the status of fields early in the morning.
Absolutely not! BASL is a great way to meet people.
There are many organized BASL events such as:
Check out the BASL Social Media Pages to keep up with League Events & Fundraisers.
Are there ways to develop leadership skills or opportunities to volunteer?
Yes! Our league is entirely volunteer run. We look to players to manage teams, attend board meetings, be a member of a standing committee, volunteer at Recruitment Day, and many other opportunities.
We also have a governing board with each role holding specific responsibilities in BASL. For more information on the board and the positions, please see here.
Tell your manager if you are interested in getting involved in league activities or email us at hello@bigapplesoftball.com so we can help get you involved!
Yes, the league has a status called “non-player.”
These individuals contribute in ways such as keeping score, coaching a base or serving as cheerleader. These folks pay a $40 non-player membership fee, primarily to be covered under the league’s insurance.
Note: Only registered Players and Non-Players are covered by our league's insurance and can be in the dugout and on the field. If an individual is not registered, they must remain in the stands to ensure everyone’s safety.
Fall Season players only need to register and submit payment when registration opens in late summer. Our Assistant Commissioners will then create mixed level teams (still in Open and W+ divisions) for that season.
Spring Season begins with two weekends of new player recruitment days held in late March/Early April. You only need to attend ONE recruitment day. You have your best chance of getting on a team there. Please check our website for the dates, times and locations.
If you can’t make either of those, please email our recruitment team at join@bigapplesoftball.com and we will discuss opportunities for you to play.
Yes! Any new players who do not have a team must attend a New Player Recruitment Day so we can help you find a place on a team. We will send you more information about Recruitment Days at a later date.
The new player recruitment day exists to make sure players of various skill levels are assigned to the proper division. It isn't a "try-out" rather an opportunity for our Commissioners, Division Representatives, and Managers to make sure you have a fun and successful first season in BAL.
Players are selected by team managers based on skill level and the needs of each team in a division. The event lasts for about two hours and will consist of light fielding and hitting drills.
If you are attending one of these events, please get there early so you can register and warm up. Try to bring a glove of your own, but if you do not have one ask the BASL staff to see if you can borrow a glove at the field.
We accept new teams for the Spring Season only!
We accept new team applications up until January 30th and then review teams on a case-by-case basis depending on division availability.
See the New Team Page for more info.
All costs are the same for new and returning teams.
Every team has to cover the $300 Sponsor Contribution.
Teams are also responsible for their own jerseys, with numbers on the back. The BASL supplies each team with a set of bases and game balls for each game.
I have more questions, who should I contact:
Check out the below list to find the contact information for our league commissioners and Division representatives. Feel free to reach out to them at the below email addresses