By LORENZO RECUPERO
Not even Covid-19 could stop the Everett Girl’s Softball League from fielding a season in 2020.
The league, which has been around since 1978, typically gets finished with its schedule by June but alterations due to Covid-19 pushed the season into the summer months.
The decades old program caters to youth ranging from Pre K- 8th grade and is split into three divisions: Farm League (Prek-2nd grade); Minor League (3rd- 5th grade); Major League (6th-8th grade).
This year, due to high school softball seasons being cancelled across the country, 18 freshman athletes were welcomed back to the league to help keep their baseball seasons alive.
Vincent “Vinny” Oliva, President and esteemed overseer of the league, has been a part of the program for 8 years and recognized – all things considered – this year has been as good and in some ways more special than years past.
“The turnout has been the biggest surprise,” said Oliva, noting other local areas that typically have a girls softball league opted not to restart citing issues with Covid-19 precautions, a problem Everett Softball just hasn’t had to deal with, according to Oliva.
“We knew we’d lose some players [due to Covid-19], but we are following all the USA Softball guidelines, wiping down benches, dugouts before and after the games and even tipping hats instead of handshakes at the finish,” said Oliva.
The season’s specialty so far has been the smiling faces, “happy to be outside” and back on the diamond, said Oliva.
“Kids, and parents as well, were just anxious to get outside [following lockdowns] and so I think it’s made for some good-sized crowds. Everything has really gone well and everyone is happy,” said Oliva.
“To see all the kids smiling faces, that’s what matters most,” he said.
This year’s playoffs run from August 9-Aug.17, with games scheduled for 6:30 PM and 7 PM nightly. The program’s final contest, a matchup between players and coaches, will take place Aug.23 at Glendale Park (11 AM) and featuring hitting contest & team pizza parties amongst other festivities.
A full schedule of remaining games can be found at www. everettsoftball.com.