Recap: in 2023 we had a dozen active teams, and in addition to teams playing their regular weeknight games throughout the summer, the season also included:

• St. Patrick's Day charity game inside the Star Hill dome in Tolland, with players wearing green, and post-game watching March Madness at Shea's Sports Bar in Manchester
  
• weekend four-team tournament in Wethersfield in August with post-tourney cookout and picnic
  
• Halloween-themed game in October with pre-game costume contest and post-game at Dudleytown Brewery in Windsor
• two visits for charity games at the Lebanon Pines long-term treatment facility in which cash and clothing items were donated
  
• Oktoberfest weekend charity game in New Britain with beer stein MVP prizes and post-game lunch at the East Side Restaurant
• and finally, a Christmas-themed game in Decemeber (players wore red and green, one even played dressed as Santa) capping off the year inside the brand-new Day Hill Dome in Windsor. 

All this and more is planned for 2024! 

New this year, a bustrip to Boston on Friday, May 24 with a morning softball game in the city, free time, and a Red Sox game at Fenway Park in the evening.  Spots still available, as of February 24, only 31 of 53 seats are filled.

So, if you are a current team or player, putting a new team together, or a free agent looking to join an existing team, welcome to our website and league.  It's never too late to join us and get involved.  Current team captains can begin submitting their updated contact information and confirmation of their intent to field a team in 2024.  The league scheduling meeting is set for Thursday, April 4 at 5pm at the Red Rock Tavern in Hartford.  Any new team can always join in and schedule games, even if you miss the meeting - there are no fixed schedules so we set up games and play as often as we like.  Each team can customize their schedule as to the needs of your players.  And even if you don't come across our website until well into the late-spring or summer, it's not too late.  Teams have open dates and are agreeable to adding more games, and existing teams always have need for new players; injuries and vacations are always happening.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions, and looking forward to a great season!

Jim

*** UPDATED FOR 2024 - OVERVIEW OF OUR "LEAGUE"

Some of you may be new and might have happened across our website and are considering joining us.  As background, this league dates back into the late-1970s and has always been very loosely organized.  The laid-back, low-cost, all-inclusive nature of the league is what has helped it to survive for so long, and has spawned such long-running franchises as Acid Reign, the (Boozin') Bisons, and the Fighting Plankton from Hell - all charter member clubs that continue to field teams some forty-plus years later.  (Just think, these three clubs have been around almost as long as the New York Mets!)

The 1996 pre-season newsletter (my first year as a team captain) cited but four rules:

     1)  slow-pitch (between 6 and 12 feet from the ground)

     2)  no sliding

     3)  minimum of 3 women playing in the field and batting in the line-up; and

     4)  umpiring agreed to by the teams playing

Through the years, changes have been made, however any changes are typically made in the spirit of promoting safety rather than promoting hard-core competition.  Keeping rules to a minimum fosters the spirit of fun over making things more complicated.  If you want a league that is coed, open to all skill and age levels, provides a venue for healthy competition and exercise prior to swapping softball war stories during post-game pizza and beers, without intense playoffs but instead allows teams to conveniently play as many, or as few, games as they wish, then this is the league for you.  If you are looking for a more competitive league with play-offs, or are a men's team that will have continual difficulties fielding a team with three female players, or want to use higher-end bats because crushing homeruns is a priority, then you should look elsewhere.

We do not use or pay for umpires.  We do not have league insurance nor do we charge dues.  Teams do not have to play balanced schedules and do not have to play all other teams.  Most teams will agree that finding playing fields will be your hardest challenge, and if you are able to find one, your biggest expense.  The "league" does not provide for fields.  Teams should look around to try and reserve fields where they can.  Maybe agree to play home-and-home games with other teams (splitting costs) during the scheduling meeting, or possibly even look into team insurance that opens doors as to securing fields within certain towns that require it.

Basic league rules include:

- Slow-pitch - 6 to 12 foot arc from the ground (no unlimited arc).

- Modified coed - Minimum of three women in the field and line-up. A team must make every effort to field a team with three women or face penalty (example: loss of fourth outfielder, automatic out in a spot within the line-up, etc.)  Team captains should meet and agree on any penalty prior to the game. For suggestions, please refer to the minutes of the 3/10/11 captain's meeting located under the Handouts link on this page.

- No umpires - Basecoaches make calls on the basepaths, catchers call fair/foul balls. Additionally, teams may or may not opt to use a home plate mat to serve in calling balls and strikes. If teams employ a mat for balls and strikes, remember to keep play in the spirit of fun - no unlimited-arc strikes, no intentional walks, no pitching around male batters, no putting the bat on your shoulders looking to draw walks.  The idea is for batters to put the ball in play and make the battle be between batters/base runners and fielders, not about the pitchers

- No sliding - Over-running of all bases is permitted, so long as a runner does not round as if to advance to the next base. This is a measure to reduce injuries.  However, it should be noted the ability to over-run a base does not entitle a base runner run through a player making a defensive play. The baserunner must make all effort to avoid injury, even if it means having to slow up or veer to one side or the other. Defenders must also take care not to block the baseline.

- All composite-barrel bats are banned - This was new for 2011 and STILL REMAINS IN EFFECT.  Captains must educate your players and police your own team on this! The barrel (part of the bat that strikes the ball) must be metal or wood. Anything with a composite barrel is not permitted. Some bats have metal or alloy handles but the sleeve up top is composite - these are not allowed.  Even during batting practice, composite bats should be left in the bat bag.  This a safety move in line with similar bans in other leagues, Little League baseball, etc. Nobody wants to see anyone get seriously hurt.

- Game balls should be a low-compression (300/.52 COR) or equivalent, which is ASA standard - Balls with a higher compression will travel further, and more importantly, come off the bat much faster.  In a recreational league, we need to worry about players out there for fun, especially pitchers, with less time to react.  Someone can get seriously hurt by a vicious line drive, and the aim is to avoid all injury as much as possible.

- Home teams generally responsible for finding a playing field and a providing the game ball.

- Captains should meet before game to discuss ground rules as needed. This has always been a major part of the culture of the "league" - over time captains get to know each other personally, and therefore have more reason to work together to avoid controversy and disagreements over rules and calls. Many rules are flexible, so long as both teams agree.

- With no league playoffs: try to avoid arguments, have fun, and don’t get hurt!

Some teams in the league have been active for over forty years, with much of the same core of players still actively participating. Other new teams have only recently organized within the past few years. The age of participating players has ranged from as young as 12, to as old as 72. Skill level varies from green rookies picking up the game, to seasoned softball vets. The purpose of the league is for everyone to come together and have fun.

If you have questions or would like more information, feel free to send an email by clicking the website contact link on the menu on the left of this page.

Over the past season, the league suffered some sad losses.  Condolences to the friends, family and teammates of these fellow fallen league competitors, with wishes that some comfort can be drawn from the memory of happier times and camaraderie on the softball diamond.

  Chris Gotay, pitcher, Empty Pitchers

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Chris, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend, who left us all too soon at the age of 60. He departed from this world on July 20, 2023, after a long illness leaving behind cherished memories that will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Chris was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Lauren, and together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, travel, and shared dreams. He was a loving and caring father to his four children, Cari, Tyler, Jesse, and Kimmy. His presence in their lives brought joy, and unwavering support.

Chris was not only a dedicated family man, but he was also a great friend to many. His magnetic personality and genuine kindness drew people towards him, and his circle of friends was a testament to the positive impact he had on those around him.

Sports held a special place in Chris's heart, and he found joy in watching and discussing baseball and playing softball. He was involved in many online baseball, hockey, and basketball leagues. He was also involved in a local Stratomatic Baseball League. His passion for sports was infectious, and he could often be found cheering for his favorite teams, the Mets, Rangers, Jets and Knicks engaging in friendly rivalries with friends. He was the most knowledge person at everything and everyone’s phone-a-friend. The trivia master. Everyone wanted him on their team!

In his 60 years, Chris touched the lives of many, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. As we mourn his loss, we take comfort in the knowledge that his spirit lives on through the lives he touched and the memories he created.

      Ira Greenbaum, captain, former Alaskan Brothers

Our beloved husband, father, and friend, Ira Greenbaum, died in the early hours of Thursday, August 31, 2023, from complications during surgery. He was seventy years old. The son of Louise and Maurice Greenbaum, he leaves behind his wife of 47 years, Barbara P. Greenbaum, and his two children, Rachel Grace Greenbaum of Charlotte, NC and Aaron Greenbaum of Glendale, CA. His is also survived by his sister, Beth Bernstein of Portland, CT and his brother Michael Greenbaum of Arlington, VA, their spouses, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

  Frankie Agosto, captain and pitcher, Pretty Reckless

Frankie Agosto, 52, of Hartford, CT beloved husband of Linda (Oconitrillo) Agosto passed away Saturday, September 16, 2023, at St. Francis Hospital. Frankie was born in Hartford and was the son of Angel and the late Virginia (Carrillo) Agosto.

He worked 10 years for Compass Youth Collaborative as a Peace Building. He loved working with the youths in Hartford. He was very passionate and caring. He went to elementary and middle school in Hartford and graduated from Weaver High School.

Frankie was a diehard fan of the Dallas Cowboys, New York Yankees and Los Angeles Lakers. He loved bowling in which he won several rings for bowling a perfect game of 300. He brought laughs to anyone in his life and was the joker of the family. He loved to be around the family gatherings and playing bingo. He loved to cook spaghetti every Thursday for his wife and son. He played softball for the Roberto Clemente and Los Amigos Leagues in Hartford, CT, with his father and brothers for many years.

When he became a father that was the happiest day of his life. He loved his son so much and his wife.  Frankie is survived by his son, Frankie Agosto Jr., and seven brothers and a sister, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends whom he loved very much. And we can’t forget his beloved dog Roxy whom he loved so much. Frankie was predeceased by his brother Wilfredo Burgos.

*** CARRIED OVER FROM 2022 ***

Each year, in response to postings on the League Line-up community bulletin board inviting new teams to join the league, inquiries come in from players seeking to join up with a team. When these inquiries are received, they will be copied into the site guestbook and names will be entered here. From time to time I will update this list as needed, but in the mean time, if any team out there is looking for players, feel free to contact any of the "free agents" listed here:

I posted some previously unlisted inquiries I have received. If you are a new free agent and would like to be listed, forward me an email and I will add you here:

Alex Larson - alarson@jonal.com - "I was wondering if the league is still accepting single players and what type of tryouts, information, etc. is needed to join.  Look forward to hearing back." - May 18, 2021

Peter Dehertogh - peter.dehertogh@hollandpkg.com - "Hi, I'm from West Hartford, I love playing softball . Wondering if there is a league for 2021?" - May 12, 2021

Sara Sutula - sarasutula@gmail.com - "Hi, I’m just contacting you to inquire about the Summer 2021 GHISL. What do I need to know? When does it start? How do I join?" - April 19, 2021

Ariana Ortiz - aorti0083@mail.ct.edu - "I came across the website for the Greater Hartford Independent Softball League and was reaching out as I’d love to join a team if there’s any looking for a female player. I play First, Third and can pitch, though I’m fairly out of practice as I haven’t played a full season since 2018!" - April 13, 2021

Michael Pancheri - michaelpancheri@gmail.com - "I am a resident of Hartford, 41 years old, who would love to join your softball league. I would be a single player, I don't have a team to bring with me...but if you have any teams that need players I'd love to play.  Now, I used to play baseball pretty seriously through high school, but haven't really played since.  If that's okay with you and everyone else, I just want to get out and play a little ball and meet some nice people. - April 6, 2021

Elenis Montero - elenismonte10@gmail.com - 646-651-2489 - "Hello, my name is Elenis.  I'm looking for a summer softball League.  I would like to know if I'm eligible for a team." - May 8, 2019

John Louden - mr.louden1@gmail.com - 860-338-5595 - "Hello, I am new to the area and was looking for a softball team to be on. There doesn’t seem to be many leagues up here. I would be interested in being in your league are you able to point me in the right direction? Thanks, btw I can play any position, I mostly pitch and play first or third." - April 1, 2019

League scheduling meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 4 at 5PM at the Red Rock Tavern at 369 Capitol Avenue in Hartford.  Please submit your team contact information.  New teams always welcome!  Contact: jchakulski@yahoo.com

1.) Captain's meeting to discuss/set league guidelines was held
Thursday, March 15 - 6pm - Red Rock Tavern
Teams were invited to send a representative, if they wish, various items were discussed. The guidelines will be emailed out to all teams and captains, and posted on the website.

2.) League scheduling meeting
Thursday, March 29 - 5pm - Red Rock Tavern
Following thirty-year tradition, the league scheduling meeting will be held on the last Thursday of March. Schedulers are asked not to call or email around setting up games until the meeting. No one wants to be harassed with emails and call during work hours, and it is fairer for everyone to wait until the meeting. An updated team listing with new contact information will be sent out the week of the meeting.

For new teams, the scheduling meeting is essentially a happy hour. Just show up with an appointment book, meet other captains, and set up games and nights that work for you. If possible, teams should try to line up playing fields for their home fields ahead of time. And don't be late! The official start time of the meeting used to be 6pm, but everyone showed up right after work, and schedulers got to work. A few years backs it was decided to finally end the charade and change the official start time to 5pm.

3.) Looking for players?
If any team is looking for some players, please check out the list of "free agents" further down on this page. The names and email addresses from inquiries I receive will be updated there as I get them throughout the spring.

4.) Website admin rights
All current team captains have been emailed admin rights in the past for administrators who can access the site, add/maintain team schedules, enter team rosters, and/or enter game scores and player stats. If anyone needs to be set up with access (or forgot theirs) just let me know.

The scheduling meeting for the 2010 season was held Thursday, March 25 at the Red Rock Tavern. Thanks to Red Rock owner (and thirdbaseman) Don Mancini for again hosting our annual meeting. The meeting was hectic as always, with 28 different teams represented.

As of April 5, these are the teams that are participating in 2010:
Acid Reign
Alaskan Brothers
AMTEC - NEW TEAM for 2010
Aspen Re - NEW TEAM for 2010
Bad Apples
Balls Deep (SS&C Technologies)
Bases Loaded
Bisons
Blood, Sweat, and Beers - NEW TEAM for 2010
Bob Marley and the Whalers - NEW TEAM for 2010
Capital Stars
Cheshire Cats (formerly Powerstation Ballers)
City Slickers
Cohn Heads (formerly JP Cohn/Haggett Longobardi)
Datapay Payroll
Dream Catchers - NEW TEAM for 2010
E Coli Happens
Electoral Dysfunction (formerly SEEC Wildcats)
Empty Pitchers
Fighting Plankton from Hell
Green Bombers
Green Team
Hartford Motorboaters
Heavy Metal
HH Shockers
inDRStructible
Kanes
Los Bambinos
Maffe Financial
McGlovin
MDMC (formerly Pepe & Hazard LLP)
New Britain Bar Association
No Glove, No Love - NEW TEAM for 2010
Red Rock Tavern
Rocky Hill Vets
SAD SOB's
Shipman & Goodwin LLP
State of CONNfusion
The Overtimers - NEW TEAM for 2010
The Softballas
Thundercats

Not fielding a team in 2010:
AAA
Booze Brothers
Danger Squirrels
Pocket Pirates
Stonecutters

League rules
Basic league rules are listed below on this home page. Team captains should take some time to read through them prior to the season. For new teams, there are sure to be some unfamiliar rules that are unique to this league. Just keep in mind, the league is set up to be recreational and fun, and no one wants anybody to get hurt.

Over seventy players representing thirteen teams were on hand to celebrate the end of the 2008 season at the official season-end party hosted by the Red Rock Tavern. Teams that were represented included: Acid Reign, Bisons, Booze Brothers, Capital Stars, E Coli Happens, Empty Pitchers, Fighting Plankton, Hartford United, inDRStructible, New Britain Bar Association, Red Rock, Shipman & Goodwin, and UConn Department of Public Policy. Don Mancini (Red Rock's owner and thirdbaseman) was a gracious host, putting out plenty of food. He even booked karaoke, which the players slowly warmed up to as the night wore on.

Chris Oakley of New Britain Bar sponsored and awarded plaques to the men's and women's 2008 season stat leaders. Congrats to: Randy Atkins of Capital Stars (batting average - men's), Sean Bharat of Bases Loaded (homeruns - men's), Mark Laczewski of New Britain Bar (RBIs - men's), Katie Mahoney of Red Rock (batting average - women's), Julie Strzemienski of New Britain Bar (homeruns - women's), and Angela Zanolli of New Britain Bar (RBIs - women's).

Above left: a table that includes Rich Niederwerfer (E Coli captain), Barbara (E Coli starting pitcher), Sara Ramsbottom (E Coli thirdbaseman), Al Letendre (former Acid Reign captain), and Joe Jencaro (Capital Stars).
Above right: a table that includes Marc Lucas and Tom Proietti (both of the Bisons), Scott Perrault (Booze Brothers), Scott Nelson (Booze Brothers), and Stacey Sachow (Booze Brothers captain). In the background is Arvid Leftwich (Capital Stars pitcher).

Above left: a table of four Acid Reign players includes pitcher Jim Coulter, shortstop John Smith, outfielder Craig, and pitcher Jackie Mickiewicz.
Above right: a table of inDRStructible players that includes firstbaseman Luca Capriglione, outfielder Gordie Lustila, outfielder Tony Santos, outfielder Scott Deslaurier, outfielder Carol Andrews, and second baseman Gloria Axiotis.

Above left: a table of New Britain Bar Association players includes Julie Strzemienski and Chris Oakley, among others.
Above right: the Hartford United club was probably the most spirited group in attendance. Seen here led by co-captains Andrew Lombardo and Dave Kaletski, the team was very well-represented, stayed on late into the evening, and offered non-stop karaoke performances all night long.

Above left: league women's homerun champ Julie Strzemienski of the New Britain Bar Association.

Above right: belting out Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville are inDRStructible's Carol Andrews and Gloria Axiotis.

Above left: as added entertainment, players watched Game 2 of the World Series as the Rays battled the Phillies.
Above right: Dave Kaletski of Hartford United and Jodi Kabat of Red Rock.

Team captains are encouraged, on a weekly basis, to nominate a male and female player for the GHISL Top Players of the Week. No prizes, but winners (and honorable mentions) will be posted on the league website. Simply email your nominations to the website contact with a brief write-up (date/opponent, player name/position, male/female, how they fared hitting/fielding, etc.) Just something to make things fun. Updates will be posted as they are received.

8/26/08 - Ed Crespan (Kanes) - In an exciting, hard-fought win over the Booze Brothers, Ed was the game's winning pitcher, and helped his own cause by rapping three base hits, including the key single to drive in the go-ahead run. (Ed was also nominated for manager of the year, as he ably skippered the team in the absence of Ron Palmisano, who has undergone five separate surgeries on his back this year - congrats to Ed, and a "get well soon" to Ron!)

7/29/08 - Greg Anderson (Kanes) - Not to be confused with the Greg Anderson who was Barry Bonds' personal trainer, the Kanes' Greg Anderson muscled a three-run homerun to lead his club to a win over New Britain Bar at Walnut Hill Park in New Britain.

6/25/08 & 6/26/08 - Adam Warzecha (Bases Loaded) - great defense by the left fielder held other teams in check in a pair of victories over the Stonecutters (6/25) and Capital Stars (6/26).

6/25/08 - Hector (Rocky Hill Vets) - showing off range behind the plate not seen since Ivan Rodriguez was playing in his prime, the hustling catcher made four grabs of foul pop-ups, one time sliding up against the chain-link fence backstop, and another time laying out into a full, outstretched dive.

6/25/08 - Gordie Lustila (inDRStructible) - was 3 for 3 with three runs scored, five RBIs, a double, two triples and a sacrifice fly in a tilt against the Rocky Hill Vets at Hopewell School in Glastonbury.

6/20/08 - Sue Mangene (Acid Reign) and Martin Rodriguez (Bases Loaded) - in a non-league game that was set up in conjunction with Team inDRStructible's annual baseball bustrip, Sue and Martin were named co-MVPs of the GHISL "All-Stars" squad that defeated DRS 12-10 in a game played on the North Meadow of Central Park in Manhattan. Sue, at shortstop, went 4 for 6 with 3 RBIs and preserved the win by snaring a line drive for the game's final out. Martin, playing in left-centerfield, was 6 for 6 with a double and 4 ribbies. Afterward, players from both sides all hopped back on the bus and journeyed to Yankee Stadium to see the Yanks host the visiting Cincinnati Reds.

6/17/08 - Darrell Dyer and Mallory Deprey (Kanes) - Darrell (4 for 4, 5 RBIs) and Mallory (3 for 4 with some great defense) provided the winning tandem in the Kanes victory over the Rocky Hill Vets at Chesley Park.

6/12/08 - Kim Kiefer (Red Rock) - secondbaseman (or is it secondbasewoman?) made two stellar catches to help her team escape a jam in the second inning, as Red Rock and Alaskan Brothers battled to a 6-6 tie.

6/12/08 - Rick Williams (Red Rock) - went a game-best 3 for 3 at the plate and scored two of his teams six runs in a hard-fought tie against Alaskan Brothers at King Philip School in West Hartford.

6/3/08 - Jay Will (Kanes) - outfielder made some great plays, drove in seven runs, and hit two homeruns - a two-run blast and a grand slam that carried the centerfield wall at Chesley Park - as the Kanes beat a spirited Danger Squirrels team in New Britain.

5/31/08 - Scott Gelineau (inDRStructible) - in a weekend charity game that goes nine innings, starting pitcher hurls the full nine innings, assists in eleven groundballs outs hit back to the pitcher's mound, and for good measure, bats lead off and goes 4 for 5.

5/29/08 - Jeremy Moskites (inDRStructible) - thirdbaseman wallops three homeruns and drives in seven runs in game against the Bisons at East Hartford High School.

5/28/08 - Kelly P. (Hartford United) - after her team surrendered five runs in the top of the seventh to enter the bottom of the final inning trailing 11-10, swatted a clutch walk-off single to lead Hartford United to an exciting 12-11 win over the SAD SOBs.

5/28/08 - Adam Soklow (SAD SOBs) - used every inch of his 6-foot frame to his advantage in leaping two feet off the ground to snare a hard-hit line drive against the Hartford United.

5/28/08 - Janette "Jae" Macon-Williams (SAD SOBs) - rookie of the year candidate makes three impressive catches in the outfield, racing in to make shoestring grabs on sinking line drives.

5/28/08 - Heather Berte (SAD SOBs) - pitcher takes a line drive hit up the middle right off her bicep, but sticks with the play and throws the ball to first base to make the out.

5/22/08 - Michael Prith (Bases Loaded) - delivered solid pitching, some timely hits, and a couple clutch defensive plays in a victory against Acid Rain at Riverside Park.

5/22/08 - Sandi Isner (inDRStructible) - only a few weeks removed from her sixty-first birthday, long-time league vet pitches complete game and strokes three base hits in win over Intentional Spoliators at Crystal Lake Park in Middletown.

5/14/08 - Acid Reign & Hartford United teams - in an unprecedented pitcher's duel and defensive masterpiece, teams combined to allow just one lone run as Acid Reign triumphs 1-0 at Riverside Park. In her first game in over a year, Acid Reign's Jackie Mickiewicz pitches a complete game shutout!

5/13/08 - Kanes team - entered the bottom of the seventh inning trailing five runs, but rallied for six runs to come away with a walk-off win over inDRStructible at Chesley Park.

5/8/08 - Theresa Palmer (Red Rock) - provided solid fielding, went 2 for 4 at the plate, and scored Red Rock's first run of the 2008 season in a game against E Coli Happens at Carmen Arace School in Bloomfield.

5/8/08 - Mike Malone (inDRStructible) - racked up 6 RBIs and swatted three homeruns into the shallow trees at Riverside Park in Hartford in tilt against Heavy Metal.

5/8/08 - Jaime Gonzalez (Red Rock) - belted two homeruns in going 3 for 4 along with some good defense in contest against E Coli Happens at Carmen Arace School in Bloomfield.

5/1/08 - Heather Berte (SAD SOBs) - team captain and starting pitcher made a half-dozen dazzling stops on hard-hit grounders back up the middle. Later shifted to shortstop and recorded another putout in game against inDRStructible at Churchill Park in Newington.

5/1/08 - Chris Atwood (inDRStructible) - scored two runs and had a team-best three base hits in going 3 for 3 in season opener against SAD SOBs at Churchill Park in Newington.