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FUN AND FITNESS COME TOGETHER IN THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH ’ S SUMMER SOFTBALL LEAGUE .
By JESSIE DAX-SETKUS
F rom running the bases to hitting it out of the park , live out your big league dreams on the field during the summertime , when the city of Laguna Beach hosts its adult softball league . With fitness benefits , fun times and a friendly environment for players , the short season is sure to fly by — but not before you ’ ve had the chance to make memories with your team . Garrett Rauch , city recreation coordinator , runs the league , which has Monday and Thursday games with two groups playing on separate nights ; the current season launched in mid-June . We caught up with Rauch to learn why the local softball league is a fun way to unwind during the summer and what to expect when taking to the field .
LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE : What is your background with softball / baseball ? GARRETT RAUCH : I grew up playing baseball through my senior year of high school . In my 20s , I joined a softball team and played … for five years until I suffered injuries that would no longer allow me to play .
LBM : Why did the city start the adult softball league ? GR : The city started this league to provide team sports opportunities for adults . Team sports are just as fulfilling to adults as kids , and a softball league is a great way to get people together for a little friendly competition and physical activity .
The 2022 winning softball teams include the Monday night champions , the Troy Lee Chupacabras ( above ), and the Thursday night champions , GTR ( below ).
LBM : What are the fitness and social benefits of playing in this league ? GR : Softball is a fantastic full-body workout , increases flexibility , improves mental health and [ also ] sharpens leadership skills .
LBM : What should you expect for your first season ? GR : Depending on a team member ’ s previous experiences , … [ the games ] can be extremely enjoyable . If you are new to this league or softball in general , it will take time to get used to the larger , 16-inch ball .
LBM : How does it all work ? GR : The season consists of a 10-game season with
playoffs . Teams are seeded in [ to ] the playoff bracket , determined by how many wins and losses they have at the end of the season .
LBM : Where and when do you play ? GR : The games are held at Riddle Field in north Laguna on Monday and Thursday nights and the league plays throughout the summer .
LBM : What gear do you need to bring to a game ? GR : Softball does not require a lot of gear . All you need is a softball glove , 16-inch softball , bat and cleats .
COURTESY OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH
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