Get Ready to Rumble: Your 2025 Manchester Softball League Captain’s Guide

23rd Feb 2025 Dan Strayer

The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, the satisfying thwack of a well-caught ball – it’s almost time for another thrilling season of Manchester Softball! As a team captain, you’re the driving force behind your squad’s success, and getting prepared early is key.

This official captain’s guide will walk you through the essential steps to ensure your team is ready to take the field by storm in 2025.

Gear Up for Glory: The Essential Equipment Check

Before the first pitch is even thrown, a thorough equipment check is paramount. Don’t wait until the last minute to discover a missing glove or a bat on its last legs. Organise a team gear inspection day. This is a great opportunity for everyone to get together, socialise, and make sure everything is in order.

Bats: Check for dents, cracks, or any signs of wear and tear. Don’t get into a game situation with such wear and tear, only to learn the bat is illegal: now you’re a bat light. Ensure all bats have the ASA/USA sticker, which are the league-approved versions.
Fielding Gloves: Inspect for rips, tears, or broken webbing. A well-maintained glove is crucial for making those game-saving catches. Hopefully, you’ve added leather care products to your glove in the offseason to keep the pocket of the glove soft, and thus, more ready to receive and absorb a batted/thrown ball. If not, now is the time to act!
Helmets: Sorry to be prescriptive and Nanny-state about it, but they are mandatory, folks. MSL advises a safety-first approach: moan if you must! Ensure all helmets fit properly and are in good condition. Cracked or damaged helmets should be replaced immediately.
Balls: The league will gift every team with the official softballs each season, so stay in touch. After that, it’s down to you each week to make sure you have an ample supply of league-approved softballs (particularly for games where you’re the home team). With 12” (big ball hitters) and 11” (small ball hitters size) circumference sized balls to procure, home teams need to supply enough balls not just for that week, but an entire season as well.

VETERAN CAPTAIN’S TIP: Hang on to used game balls

Even if one of your game balls has been used early in the season, it’s sensible to keep it with your collection of new balls and not simply discard it to the bottom of the kit bag. Present it to the umpire before or during each game: if it’s still in decent shape and the lost foul balls begin to pile up (and they WILL PILE UP), that used ball can still be deemed game-worthy.

First Aid Kit: Every team should have a well-stocked first-aid kit on hand for minor injuries.

Connecting with the League: Essential Checks with the MSL

Communication with the Manchester Softball League (MSL) is vital for a smooth season. Before the season starts, make sure you have the following covered:

Registration: Confirm your team’s registration is complete and all fees are paid. Double-check the deadline for registration to avoid any late penalties.
League Rules: Familiarize yourself with the latest MSL rulebook. Any changes from previous years should be clearly understood by you and your team members. Pay particular attention to rules regarding game play, player eligibility, and code of conduct.
Schedule: Obtain the official season schedule and distribute it to your team. Be sure to note any potential conflicts or special game dates. Veteran players already know that with summer holidays on the horizon, you’ll need contingency plans and lineups.
Contact Information: Ensure you have the contact information for key MSL officials in case of any questions or issues (you can see and email the right people here). This includes the league commissioner, umpires, and any other relevant contacts.

Building Your Dream Team: Roster Management

A strong team starts with a well-managed roster.

Recruitment: Start recruiting early to ensure you have enough players. Consider holding open tryouts or attending local softball events to find new talent.
Player Registration: Make sure all your players are registered with the MSL and have completed any necessary waivers or forms.
Communication: Establish clear communication channels with your players. This could be a WhatsApp group, email list, or a dedicated team app. Regular communication is essential for scheduling practices, sharing game information, and keeping everyone informed.
Absences: As we said above, summer holidays will overlap with the MSL schedule. Not to mention the realities of everyday life, like work, traffic, and the occasional locked gate leading to double headers (yes, we’re all still trying to get over that one). The point is this — you’ll need the agility to adjust your batting lineup and defence for absences. If you have roster depth, maybe you can still bat 6&6 or just get by with a substitute or 3; if not, make certain that you’re strong enough to get by without a substitute in the case of an emergency.

Looking the Part: Uniforms and Team Branding

While skill and teamwork are paramount, looking like a unified team can boost morale and create a sense of identity.

Uniforms: Ensure all your players have the correct uniforms. If you need new uniforms, start the ordering process early to avoid delays. Consider incorporating your team’s logo or colours for a unique touch. Also worth remembering is that uniforms signal uniformity, and it’s not out of the question that you’ll encounter an umpire or tournament who demands you all wear the same top or the team colours. Bottom line, it’s a great way to get on the same page.
Spares: You forget this part, but it’s an essential piece of the uniform factor. Fact is, with guests and newcomers, a spare jersey or two is never a bad idea. Especially as you’re waiting for an order of new kit to arrive. Moreover, it’s also wise to have spare jerseys in case of rips or even a game injury that leads to tip stained by blood.
Team Name/Logo: If your team doesn’t have a name or logo, now is a great time to brainstorm and create one. A strong team identity can foster camaraderie and make your team stand out.

VETERAN CAPTAIN’S TIP: Update Your MSL Team Page & Media Contact Info

Things have surely changed in the last 365 days for your team (heck, we know they have around here at the MSL Executive team). So let us know:

Are you recruiting?
Have you got a new team picture?
Do you want to update the team messaging on the MSL team page.
We can help you!

Delegating Duties: Sharing the Load

A successful team captain doesn’t do everything themselves. Delegating responsibilities is key to a well-functioning team.

Stats Keeper: Assign someone to keep track of game statistics. This information can be valuable for improving individual and team performance.
Score Sheet Submissions: Designate a responsible individual to submit score sheets to the league after each game.
Training Planner: Involve other players in planning and leading training sessions. This not only lightens your load but also allows different players to share their expertise.
In Game Agility: One of those things we forget opening week is base coaching. Much like keeping score, ensuring you have enough capable people (depending on where you’re at in the batting order) comfortable with manning the coaches boxes at 1st Base and 3rd Base is an in-game matter to watch.

Conquering the Tournament: Tournament Planning

Participating in tournaments can be a highlight of the season.

Tournament Selection: Research and choose tournaments that are a good fit for your team’s skill level and schedule. There’s so much softball tournament action in Manchester for 2025, too: get in touch!
Registration: Register your team for tournaments well in advance, as spots can fill up quickly.
Travel and Accommodation: If the tournament requires travel, make necessary arrangements for transportation and accommodation.
Team Spirit: Encourage team spirit and camaraderie during tournaments. Remember, tournaments are a chance to bond with your teammates and create lasting memories.

By taking these steps, you’ll be well on your way to leading your team to a successful and enjoyable 2025 season in the Manchester Softball League.

Good luck, captains, and may the best team win!