Strictly Softball
This page serves as a general resource exclusive to BHAA's softball program for girls ages 7 to 18. Check back often for updated content.
Click below to download a handy infosheet for softball parents.
2010 BHAA Softball Basics
Visit BHAA Softball Website
2010 BHAA Softball Basics
Visit BHAA Softball Website
FRIENDLY FOES: During the high school season, Emily McBurney (left) and Maya Dean (right) are rivals when Mt. Alvernia and the Ellis School square off. Come summer, they are teammates on the Brighton Heights Heat, which is prepping for its fastpitch debut this month. Heat rostermate Samantha Brophy also plays for North Catholic.
15u Fastpitch Softball It Is
BHAA has been weighing the decision whether to pursue fastpitch or slowpitch in our 15u division this season. We have traditionally been slowpitch, but learned of growing interest among the girls to go fastpitch this season to prep for high school play. Based on the results of a meeting held March 8 and subsequent conversation, BHAA will field a 15u fastpitch team this season. This decision was based on the majority interest among the eligible players and parents.
However, we remain concerned for those girls who wished to play only slowpitch. As there are only five or six of them, we would need to find five or six more players to play slowpitch this season. If parents, girls or coaches are aware of any other players who might like to join and can contact them about doing so, BHAA will support a slowpitch team this season as well. We are hopeful that all of our girls will have a place to play.
BHAA will grant a full refund to any player who wishes to receive one so that they may pursue a slowpitch opportunity elsewhere. Our preference would be to find more players and keep our girls local, but we understand families must do what is in the best interest of their daughters.
More information about fastpitch will be shared in the coming days as plans take shape. The team will play in City BIG League's 15u fastpitch division, rather than with Greater Pittsburgh Girls Softball. We feel this will give our girls a better chance to compete and also support a growing city effort.
Since there will be a learning curve for the girls moving from slow to fast, gym time will be allotted to help the 15u team prepare for the season ahead. Collaboration will occur among the coaches who have been with BHAA for years to guide this new team. The support of parents also will be critical during this transition.
If you have expressed interest in fastpitch but elected to not register until a decision was made, we urge you to register as soon as possible so we may move forward with ordering uniforms and insurance. Online registration and printable forms remain available at www.bhaabaseball.org.
BHAA has been weighing the decision whether to pursue fastpitch or slowpitch in our 15u division this season. We have traditionally been slowpitch, but learned of growing interest among the girls to go fastpitch this season to prep for high school play. Based on the results of a meeting held March 8 and subsequent conversation, BHAA will field a 15u fastpitch team this season. This decision was based on the majority interest among the eligible players and parents.
However, we remain concerned for those girls who wished to play only slowpitch. As there are only five or six of them, we would need to find five or six more players to play slowpitch this season. If parents, girls or coaches are aware of any other players who might like to join and can contact them about doing so, BHAA will support a slowpitch team this season as well. We are hopeful that all of our girls will have a place to play.
BHAA will grant a full refund to any player who wishes to receive one so that they may pursue a slowpitch opportunity elsewhere. Our preference would be to find more players and keep our girls local, but we understand families must do what is in the best interest of their daughters.
More information about fastpitch will be shared in the coming days as plans take shape. The team will play in City BIG League's 15u fastpitch division, rather than with Greater Pittsburgh Girls Softball. We feel this will give our girls a better chance to compete and also support a growing city effort.
Since there will be a learning curve for the girls moving from slow to fast, gym time will be allotted to help the 15u team prepare for the season ahead. Collaboration will occur among the coaches who have been with BHAA for years to guide this new team. The support of parents also will be critical during this transition.
If you have expressed interest in fastpitch but elected to not register until a decision was made, we urge you to register as soon as possible so we may move forward with ordering uniforms and insurance. Online registration and printable forms remain available at www.bhaabaseball.org.
Inside Pitches
2010 Softball Coaches
The following people are head coaching softball teams this season.
The following people are head coaching softball teams this season.
- Maryann Bowman (Blue Bandits)
- Randy Davis (Blue Lightning)
- Bill Fonzi (North Side Sluggers)
- Tana and Brandon Kretzler (SWAT)
- Joe Knupsky (Rock Stars)
- John Salamacha (Crush)
- Jack Shannon (Heat)
Softball Playing Age
Softball age is based on a player's age as of January 1 of the playing year. For example, a girl who is 10 on January 1, 2010, would play as a 10-year-old, even if she turned 11 on January 2. Younger girls also have the option of "playing up" to the next age bracket should their skills warrant it.
8-and-under
An instructional, coach-pitched program for girls ages 7 and 8
BHAA will field three teams in this age group
10-and-under
Player-pitched play for girls ages 9 and 10
BHAA will field two teams in this age group
12-and-under
Player-pitched play for girls ages 11 and 12
BHAA will field one team in this age group
15-and-under
Player-pitched play for girls ages 13 through 15
BHAA will field one fastpitch team in this age group
18-and-under
Player-pitched play for girls ages 18 and under
BHAA will not have a team in this age group this year.
All teams compete within Greater Pittsburgh Girls Softball League.
8-and-under
An instructional, coach-pitched program for girls ages 7 and 8
BHAA will field three teams in this age group
10-and-under
Player-pitched play for girls ages 9 and 10
BHAA will field two teams in this age group
12-and-under
Player-pitched play for girls ages 11 and 12
BHAA will field one team in this age group
15-and-under
Player-pitched play for girls ages 13 through 15
BHAA will field one fastpitch team in this age group
18-and-under
Player-pitched play for girls ages 18 and under
BHAA will not have a team in this age group this year.
All teams compete within Greater Pittsburgh Girls Softball League.