8U, 10U SVGSA divisions to use pitching machines

Despite the recent snow, summer is not far off. With summer come the sounds of softball – the crack of the bat and the cheering crowd.

The Spokane Valley Girls Softball Association hopes to hear more of both this season by restructuring the rules for two younger divisions, and anticipates this restructure to further develop skill level of its players.

A JUGS portable pitching machine will be on the mound instead of a pitcher on the 8U and 10U divisions. The league board of directors modeled the change after the Cal Ripken Jr. Baseball League.

Andy Jackson, son of Valley Girls Softball founder Sal Jackson, presented the idea to the board last fall. Jackson believed the league needed a change after attending several games last summer and observing innings lasting 35 minutes with girls consistently walking instead of hitting the ball.

“The kids in the outfield were doing nothing,” Jackson said . “With the pitching machines, the kids have to participate, actually learning the game rather than standing in one spot.”

“There is a big discrepancy in pitching abilities in those divisions,” league president Rick Cargill said. “Not so much hitting or fielding abilities.”

According to Cargill, this change will even the playing field and teach girls the fundamentals: batting, fielding, catching and throwing.

“This will enhance the level of play in every aspect of the game other than pitching,” Cargill added. “I believe the girls will have more confidence hitting off a pitching machine than off other girls.”

Former league coach Dan Bertrand has some reservations about the rule change. Bertrand’s opposition stems from his concern about preparing the girls for the next level.

“I’m concerned with the transition from the machine back to girl pitch at 12U,” Bertrand said. “The timing will be different from the machine, so they’re still going to get a lot of walks.”

Before the change, the pitching in the 8U division was a combination of girl pitch, followed by the coach. The 10U was strictly girl pitch.

In both cases, SVGSA believes the skill level of the pitcher determined the outcome of the game.

Supporters of the change believe the pitching machine will develop the girls’ swing by having more consistent pitches thrown over the plate.

“The placement of the ball will be consistent every time,” said Todd Clark, vice president of instructional leagues. “This will give the girls more opportunity for a hit.”

In both divisions, the girls will be given five chances to hit the ball. No walks or stealing bases will be allowed in either division.

Because the league is no longer using pitchers in the younger divisions, girls in 10U who want to pitch may play up a division. To be eligible, girls must have played in their age division for one year and attend a May 10 tryout. A written request and a $25 nonrefundable fee are also required.

“For most part these kids don’t learn how to pitch in our league,” Cargill said. “If you want to be a pitcher you’re going to have to do more than our league.”

The board is also ensuring field safety utilizing protective screens on the machines and constant adult supervision on the mound.

“I think the changes are wonderful. Anything to keep them loving softball,” Sal Jackson said. “I believe it will turn out better ball players.”