Calling all women softball players

CEDAR RAPIDS - The call has been made and the goal is to get women athletes to answer.

The city's all-women slow pitch softball league has seen a decrease in participation, and is hoping to attract more players before the long-standing league opens June 7.

The league thrived in the past, but recently numbers have diminished. League officials and players are hoping that changes.

“From what I understand, years ago there used to be two to four fields filled with women's teams,” said Jenn Eicher, who is in her sixth season with the league. ”Over the years it's kind of sloughed off.”

Eicher has been at the forefront of recruiting efforts. She has blitzed people she knows with texts, mass e-mails and talking to others, trying to drum up added interest. So far, it's paid dividends. Four new teams have been added, giving the league eight total.

“I've been talking to a lot of girls over the last couple weeks and what I'm finding is they either don't know enough girls to put a team together or they don't know anybody who is looking for girls,” Eicher said. “They don't know who to approach.”

The league is attempting to help players facing that dilemma by matching interested individuals with a team needing players. Games will be held Monday evenings at Tait Cummins Softball Complex with games starting after 6:30 p.m. to accommodate work and family schedules. Any level of play is welcome and the only cost is $11 per person to cover umpiring costs.

certainly if there's any girls that want to play that's great,” said Eicher, who plays up to four times a week during the summer, which includes co-ed leagues. “I hate to see (the league) go. It's a lot of fun to play with just girls.”

Many females grow up playing softball. Limited opportunities exist for those athletes to continue playing in women-only leagues.

“I'm sure they'd still love to play,” Eicher said. “Maybe they just don't know that it's out there.”

Eicher, an employee at the Midwest Athletic Club, said softball offers plenty of health benefits. Players can get their fitness fix while having a good time.

“Softball is a lot of fun, so when you're actually playing it doesn't feel like you're getting exercise,” Eicher said. “You don't think about how hard you're running.”

The league is still accepting players. Anyone interested can contact the Cedar Rapids Recreation Department for more details.

“The friendships you create and everyone's out there for a good time, a stress reliever and to be active,” Eicher said. “It's great.”