Little League, National Pro Fastpitch To Host National Little League Softball Days

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (June 4, 2009) – Little League International and National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) will be hosting National Little League Softball Days on June 11 and 17, 2009.

All NPF National Little League Softball Days will include a parade of Little Leaguers and Battle of the Bats hitting competition prior to the game, ceremonial first pitches, in-game promotions, and an autograph session after the games, as Little League Softball players will be permitted on the field to meet NPF players.

“Little League Days are one of the biggest reasons the NPF wanted to be involved with the Little League International organization,” Cheri Kempf, National Pro Fastpitch President and Commissioner, said. “Being able to host the young athletes in our ballparks gives us a chance to expose them to our elite professional athletes in a close and personal way. I hope every Little League player has a chance to see an NPF game this year and to be recognized in our parks on one of the many Little League Days throughout the summer.”

On Thursday, June 11, Little League Softball players are invited to attend a game between the Florida Pride and the host Chicago Bandits set to begin at 7:05 p.m. Central U.S. time; or see the visiting Rockford (Ill.) Thunder as they play the Akron (Ohio) Racers at 7:05 p.m. Eastern U.S. time.

One week later, on Wednesday, June 17, Rockford entertains the Florida Pride beginning at 7:05 p.m. Central U.S. time; and the Bandits travel to Philadelphia to play the Force at 7:35 p.m. Eastern U.S. time.

The Little League Softball program was created in 1974. Annually, Little League International operates four softball World Series tournaments in the Major (ages 11-12), Junior (13-14); Senior (13-16); and Big League (14-18) divisions. In 2008, more than 360,000 players (ages 5-18) played Little League Softball on nearly 24,000 teams.

“Collectively, it is our belief that working with NPF will nurture and enrich the enjoyment that comes with playing the game of softball,” Stephen D. Keener, President and Chief Executive Officer of Little League Baseball and Softball, said. “We want the end result to be more leagues chartering softball, and more players participating at different divisions. Our expectation is that local leagues will benefit from this relationship in a variety of ways.”

In January 2009, National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) and Little League International established a partnership that provides the Little League Softball program with additional training and education resources, and expands awareness and opportunities for NPF and the nearly 400,000 girls who play in the various divisions of Little League Softball.  For more information about National Pro Fastpitch and the teams, visit www.profastpitch.com.

Little Leaguers will have the opportunity to watch and meet all NPF teams this season.  Below is a list of all NPF’s Little League Regional Softball Nights.
 
NPF’s Little League Regional Dates
(*Central U.S. Time)

Akron Racers - Firestone Stadium
Thursday, June 25 - 7:05 p.m.
Thursday, July 23 - 7:05 p.m.
 
Chicago Bandits - Judson Softball Complex
*Thursday, June 4 - 7:05 p.m.
*Wednesday, August 12 - 7:05 p.m.
 
Florida Pride – Pride Park at Osceola County High School
Thursday, June 25 - 7:05 p.m.
Saturday, July 25 - 7:05 p.m.
 
Philadelphia Force - ECTB Stadium at Bicentennial Park
Sunday, July 12 - 5:35 p.m.
Tuesday, July 28 - 7:35 p.m.
 
Rockford Thunder - Thunder Park
*Thursday, July 16 - 7:05 p.m.
                                                         
To learn more about National Pro Fastpitch, log on to: www.profastpitch.com. 

For more information on Little League Softball, contact Sara Thompson, Little League International Softball Manager, at: 570-326-1921, ext. 217; or, e-mail: sthompson@LittleLeague.org.   Little League’s website is: www.LittleLeague.org.

For more information contact: Christopher D. Downs, Media Relations Manager
(570-326-1921, ex. 238; Cell: 570-337-2511); Media E-mail: cdowns@LittleLeague.org;
WEB Site: http://www.LittleLeague.org

NOTE: The Little League Softball Days registration from is available, at: http://www.littleleague.org/Assets/forms_pubs/softballdays/ChicagoBandits.pdf. Fax a completed Registration form, listing a manager and up to two (2) coaches, at least 24 hours prior to game time to receive free admission. A confirmation e-mail will be sent within 24 hours of the submission.