As many already know, the GSV Cal Ripken Baseball & Babe Ruth Softball leagues will be separating this season to help each entity focus on growth in their respective areas.
As of Sept 12, 2007 what was formerly known as GSV Babe Ruth Softball will now become North Valleys Babe Ruth Softball leagues. They will still play games in Sun Valley at Gepford, they will also play some games in North Valleys at O'Brien Middle School. The NW field at Gepford continues to move forward with grass, however it takes time on a project of this magnitude and with most of the funds coming from donations.
The interest from several parents and players in the North Valleys prompted the discussion of a new separate league. The area is prime for growth in girls fastpitch softball, and the GSV Softball league doubled in size last year, with many of the new players coming from the geographic area of the north valleys outside of Sun Valley.
Some operations will remain at Gepford in the interim as the league finalizes the move and separation with GSV CR. The majority will move to a more centrally located place to meet the needs of the new league and its players.
This change doesn't come without some serious thought and research, many of the board members as well as some commissioners suggested this separation over the last 2 yrs. Meetings were held with parents of softball players, most have both baseball and softball children and it was unanimously agreed that the best way to continue to grow would be to separate and focus on one league. It was also believed that this would help baseball grow as well. Last years numbers reported to the county were 275 total players in both sports, breaking down to 181 for baseball, and 94 for softball. Thats roughly the same amount of kids playing baseball over the last 4 yrs and a 50% increase in softball over the last 3 yrs.
The competition in Northern Nevada for softball leagues is great, there are 2 ASA leagues, 4 NSA leagues in Reno, Carson, Fernley, and Minden. There is currently 1 Babe Ruth Softball league with an new one scheduled for next year. Sign ups will begin November 1st at the Round Table Pizza in Raley's shopping center in Golden Valley at 6:30pm. Look for the flyers in the schools. For info call Tom Lorton at 379-0298