Popularity of Mount Pleasant Adult Softball program rising

Jerry Hoffman

Changes in the Mount Pleasant Adult Softball program has increased its popularity
and the number of participants.
According to Eric VanHevel, Recreation and Athletics Coordinator and head of
the adult softball program, an average of 10 new teams are added since he began
heading the program four years ago.
“We made some schedule changes, so that we accommodate more players,”
VanHevel said. “In the past when there were a few teams, they would play
multiple nights in a week. Now, teams play one night a week. With busy schedules
people have, it was the practical thing to do.”
The program currently has 52 teams in eight leagues. There is two men’s
and women’s leagues in addition to four co-ed leagues.
VanHevel said that despite the amount of rain during May, the current season
is going well and that people have been understanding.
The relationship between the Mount Pleasant Parks and Recreation and CMU Facilities
Management is something VanHevel believes is another positive for the softball
program.

“We have a great relationship with facilities management,” VanHevel
said. “Since we started having teams play at the new intramural fields,
the fields are now in the best shape since they were first completed. They still
need to be tweaked, but they are in great condition.”
One thing that VanHevel would like to improve is the process before the season
begins.
VanHevel says that his office starts the upcoming season information process
in February with the registration deadline and managers’ meeting in April,
but finds that teams are trying to get in a league well after games have started
in May.
“At that point, we can’t get anybody in,” VanHevel said.
The league is open to all adults 18 and older and there are two game options
available for prospective teams.
Men’s, women’s and co-ed teams can choose from a 21-game (doubleheader),
or an 11-game (single-game) format.
According to the parks and recreation Web site, fees for the current season
are listed as follows:

Men’s and women’s 21-game format

• $550 with umpire fees
• $235 without umpire fees

Co-ed 21-game format

• $500 with umpire fees
• $269 without umpire fees

Men’s and women’s 11-game format

• $275 with umpire fees
• $110 without umpire fees

Co-ed 11-game format

• $250 with umpire fees
• $129 without umpire fees

In addition, players must have a player fee paid before participating. Player
fees are due with player cards prior to any participation.
Player cards and instructions are supplied to the manager at the managers’
meeting after the team is properly registered.
Player fees are as follows:

• $15 for city residents
• $20 for non-city residents

A resident is a person that lives within the city limits of Mount Pleasant.
One other change that the softball program had was the format of the post-season
tournament.
“Last year we went to a weekend format instead of continuing a week-long
format,” VanHevel said. “Before last year, the tournament was the
only time we couldn’t guarantee when teams would play. What happened is
that we were getting numerous forfeits because of work schedules. With the weekend
format, it’s easier for players to break away from work to play. Last year’s
tournaments went well.”
This season’s co-ed tournament is set for Aug. 11-12, while the men’s
and women’s tournament is set for Aug. 18-19.