2021 league stats, remembering a local legend, and upcoming changes.
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After a difficult year with City and State COVID-19 restrictions, our league statistics rebounded for 2021. Lower CoEd leagues have the fastest growth, while we continue to bolster our women's league by sponsoring teams fees for free agent teams and hosting skills clinics. This year, 94 teams registered, comprised of:
- Women's: 6
- CoEd E1/D: 9
- CoEd E2: 37
- CoEd E3: 12
- Men's E/Master's: 20
- Men's C/D: 10
A warm autumn brought our third successful fall league, without a single rain (or snow) out for the entire 6-week season. We registered 13 CoEd teams and 10 Men's teams.
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To accommodate both men's and women's teams playing in respective state tournaments, CoEd districts moved to weekdays, as per our District Commissioner. Because of the weeknight schedule, more CoEd teams participated in district playoffs than in previous years. Men's teams have also inquired to move districts to weekdays, to accommodate work schedules.
District finishes include:
Men's D (7 teams):
- Purple Haze
- Play It Again Sports - Beaverslide
- Farmers
Men's E (10 teams):
- Outkasts
- Kenyon Nobel Ducks
- Pour House Lockdowns
CoEd E1 (9 teams):
- Western CPE
- Bomb Squad
- Interwest Tire PITT Crew
CoEd E2 (21 teams):
- Spectators/ Morrison-Maierle/ Montana Farm Bureau
- McGlovins
- 317/ Hideway
Thank you to all who participated in district tournaments, exhibited sportsmanship, and followed USA Softball regulations to make our tournaments fair, safe, and competitive.
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Remembering State UIC Rick Smith
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Recently, we lost long-time Montana softball umpire and dedicated supporter, Rick Smith. For many years, Rick served as GVSA's Umpire in Chief, until being promoted to State UIC. During our current nationwide umpire shortage, Rick traveled throughout Montana to train new umpires and increase coverage.
To celebrate the memory of our longtime friend, we dedicated Field 3 to Rick's memory. Organized by Matt Heckel and Yellowstone Headwaters Umpire Association, a dedication ceremony at the beginning of October hosted old and new friends from far and wide.
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Matt Heckel Appointed to Montana UIC
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Filling Rick Smith's shoes as State Umpire in Chief, is GVSA's Matt Heckel. Matt served as GVSA's Umpire in Chief and most recently as District Commissioner, before being appointed by Montana State Commissioner, Jim Pellegrini, as our State's chief umpire.
Matt Heckel is a decorated and experienced umpire, most recently inducted into the Hall of Fall at McQuades Charity Softball Tournament in North Dakota. This year, Matt also joined the National Indicator Fraternity and Medals Program of the USA Softball Awards, making him one of the most-decorated umpires in Montana's history. Matt also referees local youth football leagues.
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Jeff Morgan Appointed to DC
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The Montana Commissioner appointed current GVSA President, Jeff Morgan, to serve as District Commissioner. Jeff also served as GVSA Vice President and Player Representative, as well as appointed District 7 Player Representative. Jeff also served our community working as a GVSA umpire and as the Bite of Bozeman Chair on the Sweet Pea Board.
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Recycling logistics at the Softball Complex strained City resources. In 2021, the City finally added recycling bins by the Concession Stand. To further promote recycling, GVSA board member, Chris Asher, added additional recycling bins by dugouts, collecting an additional 453 pounds of aluminum cans this year.
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