Girls Softball Team Has High Hopes for Next Year After World Series Win

Baseball is widely known as America’s favorite pastime, and the girls of the Clawson Fireballs can show you why. 

This home-grown softball team capped off their winning season last month on a high note. Triumphing over the Clawson Crushers with a score of 4-1 in the finals, the Fireballs were crowned the 2011 Royal Oak Sandlot League Senior Softball World Series Champions.

As part of the Clawson Softball League, the team, coached by Marcy Costine and Kathleen Otruba, is made up of girls ages 14 and older, some who have been playing together for the past 10 years.

“At this age, in the Senior Division, not a lot of girls still want to play, and so these girls are on that field because they really want to be there and that makes a big difference,” said Ortuba, who has been coaching softball for 10 seasons. 

The Fireballs, who finished their overall season with a 10-1 game record, play together from late May until mid-July in the Royal Oak Sandlot League. Because of this, games are normally held at Royal Oak city parks.

There are three different divisions of teams for girls’ slow pitch softball, categorized by ages and designated by being either from Clawson or Royal Oak. The 2011 season saw a total of five Freshman teams (7-10 year-olds), seven Junior (11-13) and four Senior (14-18). Players must be the required age by May 1 per Royal Oak rules but may be able to move up a division depending on their skill level.

Games normally take place throughout the week in the evening with different divisions playing on alternating days. In mid-June, an All Star Game is also held, where each team is able to send their top choice players to compete, according to their team rank in the overall standings.

“[The League] is a great thing to do during the summer to stay active,” said Veronica Dulin, 17, Fireballs shortstop. “It’s great to be part of a team working together, having fun and having something to do.”

Many of the girls on the Fireballs team agree that supporting one another and having a good time is more important than winning.

“You make a lot of friends and have a lot of fun here,” said Sophie Bedford, 15, who plays first base for the Fireballs. “We aren’t super competitive; we just like to play the sport.”

Otruba said the Fireballs are looking forward to next year's season.

"We are very proud of our girls," Otruba said. "It is always bitter sweet at the end of the season. You know some of your players will be moving on, but you also know there will be a new crop coming up next year."

To find out more information about the League, visit the City of Clawson's website or call 248-589-0334. Sign-ups for the teams begin in February at the . Coaching positions are strictly volunteer.