Norwalk softball league sign-up deadline approaching

NORWALK — Last year, COVID-19 threw all sorts of curveballs at Norwalk officials, who needed to sacrifice much of the 2020 adult softball league. But, with declining case numbers and while maintaining good health practices going forward, officials feel confident they can hit a sweet spot, allowing them to offer a full complement of games in 2021. Joe Lindenberger, the city's recreation department's superintendent, oversees Norwalk's adult softball league for men, women and co-ed games. It's the area's most popular league for adult softball. In an inning-by-inning format, he provided a rundown regarding some of the most important information for the upcoming season. • 1st inning — The last season: "The league did have games last summer. It was an on-again, off-again experience as the governor went back and forth in regards to the mask mandate. We ended up having a shorter season, a few less games per team. The league looked relatively the same with a few minor adjustments. There were no handshake lines after the game. The catcher had to stand 6 feet behind the umpire. No coolers were allowed." • 2nd inning — The upcoming season: "Our signups are currently ongoing for a full season. The deadline to enter a team is April 18, with a start date on May 9. Our information can be found on norwalkrec.com." • 3rd inning — The protocols: "Masks are not mandated for participants, spectators or umpires. We will have in place similar social distance guidelines as last year. Players do not need to be vaccinated to participate in any Norwalk recreation program." • 4th inning — The participation: "Last year, we only allowed for two weeks to sign up and had 50 teams. I thought that was outstanding, considering the short notice. The year before, I believe we had 65. I'd expect that number to be in the 60s this year. That's basically around 800 to 900 players." • 5th inning — The location: "All our adult softball games are played at Baines Park." • 6th inning — The expenses: "Our league fees are … a little higher than last year due to more games being played per team. This is the same as 2019. Their fees go toward operating the league, from umpire and scorekeeper fees to the light bill." Note: Visit norwalkrec.com for more detailed information. • 7th inning — The necessity: "Softball is important in Norwalk, like a lot of sports. It starts with a nice ball park, which is family-conducive (with a) playground, shelter, batting cages, restrooms etc. Since Baines was developed, Norwalk has kind of had the corner of the market. With three lit fields, we have been able to offer tournaments and leagues for all, pretty much every day of the week. Another strength we have is that we invest into our park. Whether it's replacing the backstops, shelter house or this year — new dugouts, an Eagle Scout project — I think people feel they get a good value for their money. Of course, maintaining the fields and well-trained umpires and scorekeepers are a key component to how successful a season is. We have a strong crew this year with a lot of experience."