Softball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of 10 to 14 players. Every team aims to score as many runs possible, against the opponents by striking the ball with a specific bat. It is a direct descendant of baseball although there are some key differences: softballs are larger than baseballs, and the pitches are thrown underhand rather than overhand. The game is played on a smaller diamond than in baseball and despite the game’s name, the standard softball is not soft; in fact, it is harder than a baseball.
Softball – Intermediate is open to athletes age 22 and older. Exemptions may be requested for mature athletes over the age of 18. Athletes at this level have developing softball skills and a strong interest in the game. SOMO has one advanced team and one intermediate softball team. Both teams compete at States Games for medals in their respective division.
| Coaches | Jim Downs – Head Coach |
| Season Dates & Times | Practices: Sundays, 10:00 – 11:30 Qualifiers: Required Qualifier May 19, 2024, Kiwanis Wallas Park in Ellicott City. Additional Qualifier TBA Coach will announce. State Games: June 21, 2024, to June 23, 2024, Towson University |
| Medical & Volunteer Expiration Date | Sport’s State Games competition date June 23, 2024 The expiration date on an athlete’s Medical form, or a Volunteer’s certification, must be after the above date to participate in the upcoming season. Check athlete status here. Check volunteer status here. |
Athlete placement will take place at the first practice in April. New and returning athletes are invited to participate in this session. Athletes qualify for our Intermediate program based on demonstrated softball skills and general conditioning.
SOMO has a limited number of softball fields and coaches to support our softball program. Roster size is constrained to offer each athlete an opportunity for meaningful involvement. Eligible Athletes must (1) have a current Medical Application & Waiver valid through the completion of State Games and (2) have signed-up online for Softball – Intermediate before the first practice.
SOMO provides all team-centric equipment. Athletes must have their own softball glove. In addition, athletes may choose to bring their personal gear, e.g., ASA-approved softball bat, batting gloves and helmet. Softball athletes must also bring their own ball cap to practices. Athletes should bring water to each practice and competition. Soft drinks are not permitted.
During practices, athletes are responsible for their own athletic apparel (no blue jeans or winter coats, please) and softball spikes (optional). SOMO provides team uniforms for use during competitions. Athletes are responsible to bring their (Issued) team hat to all competitions.
Location: Welsh Park, 344 Martins Lane, Rockville, MD 20850.
Timing: The Softball – Intermediate team practices on Sunday morning each week. Coaches release a detailed practice schedule to team members at season’s start, with weekly updates as required.
Activities: Athletes begin each practice with soft-toss followed by stretching and light running or other aerobic or skill-based exercise. Practices often include fundamental softball drills and game-condition exercises.
Teams will participate in a minimum of two Qualifiers (usually one local and one State-mandated). Dates and locations will be announced at the season’s start.
Softball State Games will be held at Ellicott City Kiwanis Park. Competitions are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. Game time and locations are announced just prior to the event.
Athletes are expected to attend all practices and all scheduled Qualifiers in order to be eligible for Softball State Games. The Head Coach may excuse a limited number of absences from practice.
Athletes participating in Summer Games will be housed for two nights with the team and coaches in Towson University dorms.
Athletes wishing to join the Softball-Intermediate teams must commit to Softball as their only Spring sport. Softball athletes may also sign-up for Friday Evening Conditioning. Participation in Bowling Recreational is also permitted if the Head Coach approves.
Softball – Advanced requires a athlete participation contract. However, athletes do commit to their coaches and teammates that they will attend scheduled practices, all qualifiers and State Games. An inability to meet those commitments can disqualify an athlete from the team.
Under development
