Since the 1970s, Rye Girls Sports/Rye Girls Softball has provided leagues for young girls to learn how to play softball and experience friendly competition with their peers. Over 160 Rye girls in Grades 3 through 8 competed this year.
By Lauren Dempsey
Since the 1970s, Rye Girls Sports/Rye Girls Softball has provided leagues for young girls to learn how to play softball and experience friendly competition with their peers. Over 160 Rye girls in Grades 3 through 8 competed this year.
The season started with the Rye Little League/Rye Girls Softball Parade and ended with both 5th and 8th Grade games, which give the girls who are competing in the last season of their respective divisions one last chance to play together.
At the closing ceremony June 9, the following note from dad/coach Doug Grigg was read. It sums up what the League is all about. “I’d like to thank all of you — from the board to the coaches and volunteers — for making this such a great experience. My daughter was legitimately terrified of playing softball, as her sports experience in Rye has not been great. She leaves this season wanting to hit ‘BP’ and talking about next year. The low-key program has been a great thing for her, while also allowing her to build new friendships across the school district. It’s been a blast coaching these girls and just having fun and teaching the very basics to a great group of kids. Thanks for the opportunity.”
During the Closing Ceremonies, an annual tradition is the presentation of the Ferguson Award to a fifth grader in the Junior Division and an eighth grader in the Senior Division. The award, bestowed by the League coaches, is given to a player that demonstrates love for the game, team spirit, dedication, and sportsmanship. This year’s winners were Sarah Hodulik of the Vipers in the Junior Division, and Ellen Scully from the Comets in the Senior Division. 
Two additional awards were presented for the first time. The Steve DiRenzis Award, named after one of the founders of the League, was awarded to Kristina Marchand of the Comets. The Tony D’Onofrio Award was presented to Ava Ramachandran of the Centipedes. The award is given in honor of the longtime owner of the Rye Smoke Shop, an initial sponsor of the League. The D’Onofrio family has been a continuous sponsor for more than 40 years.
As a newcomer to the League, Rye Middle School student Lindsey Johnson, who is a member of the Lightning team, as well as one of the Modified softball teams, said, “It was the best season I’ve had. The coaches were great.”
Fellow RMS student Samantha Berte, who has played on the Blizzards for the past three years and the League for six years, said, “I learned a lot, especially at catcher, and enjoyed the time with my friends.”
Playing their games at Milton School, the Junior Girls Division (Grades 3-5) consists of six teams: the Centipedes, Dragonflies, Fireflies, Hornets, Stingers, and Vipers. Playing their games at Founders’ Field in Disbrow Park, the Senior Girls Division (Grades 6-8) consists of the Blizzard, Comets, Lightning, Thunder, and Wildfire. For the girls, the League provides the opportunity to have fun and play softball. For some, this may lead to an opportunity to participate on one of the Rye High School softball teams.
The League is run solely by volunteers, from its coaches to its board of directors. Longtime League officers Lisa Dempsey and Janet Herbold are handing over leadership to a new group, but both plan to remain involved. Both have daughters playing for Rye High School and have a strong desire to keep the League running effectively, including offering pitching and skills clinics in winter.
The new officers, some of whom played in the League when they were younger, include Deborah Nye, Maggie Nye Roche, Deidre Maloney Burbank, Sarah Ball, Carmela Laber, and Joyelle Brownson. Others involved are Lori Cardino and Terri Volpe. The umpires for the Junior Division are mainly Rye High students who played in the League and currently play on RHS softball teams. Al Bach has been the longtime umpire in the Senior Division. The Rye Recreation Department has provided assistance in getting the fields ready to play.
With the possible reduction in Modified sports next year at Rye Middle School, there is the opportunity for more players in the league next year. As there are currently two Modified softball teams with approximately 18 girls per team, there may only be one Modified team in 2014. Depending upon registration numbers, this may mean the League can have three divisions next year: 3rd and 4th Grade, 5th and 6th Grade, and 7th and 8th Grade.
To allow the girls to compete in after-school sports and other activities, games have only been played on weekends. One change being considered for next year is the addition of Friday Night games, depending upon player numbers and field availability. The League has a longstanding tradition of not playing on Mother’s Day or over Memorial Day Weekend, and thus relies on good weather on the other weekends.
Overall, it was a very successful season. We are looking forward to next year.
