There have been many changes in the Freedom area over the years, but one thing has remained the same, Freedom Optimist Softball.
The Freedom District Optimist Club is holding registration in January for their 40th year.
While it’s cold outside, it’s not too early to think about grabbing the bat and glove. Practices for the first grade through 12th grade teams begin the week of March 14 and orientation for the pre-k/kindergarten division is March 27 with opening day for the leagues is set for April 13.
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The Freedom District Optimist Girls Softball League is organized with the Freedom Area Recreation and Carroll County Department of Recreation and Parks.
The teams are broken down by grades as pre-k and kindergarten (you must be five in the calendar year), grades 1-2, grades 3-4, grades 5-7 and grades 8-12 (this includes girls that are 18 years of age and still attending high school).
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The FDO also offers three adult leagues, women’s slow pitch, co-ed slow pitch and co-ed fast pitch.
The women’s league is for players 16 and older and takes the field on Wednesday nights from late May thru the end of July.
The co-ed league is for players 18 and older and they play on Sundays from April thru July.
The co-ed fast pitch league is for players 18 and older. They play on Tuesday and Friday from late May until the end of July.
Walk in registration is held on Jan. 15 and 22 at the Freedom Community Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can also register online throughout the month here.
A late fee is added if you signup after Jan. 31.
The signup fee is $50 for pre-k and $60 for grades 1 through 12.
Last year there were 33 teams in the pre-k through grade 12 leagues.
For more information contact Ken Whalen, commissioner for the league, at 410-795-2782 or fdosoftball@gmail.com.
The Freedom Community Center is located on MD. 32, next to Pizza Hut.