1/19/13 We have completed our first week of winter workouts. This year the league's fourth has the most girls ever attending these sessions. Forty eight girls are participatin (edit 2 more girls joined)...50 girls now!
12/8/12 The WHASL had its third Hooker Brewery Fund Raiser. It was a great Softball Community Event. Thanks to all!!
9/9/12 The WHASL hosted a volunteer and umpire appreciation dinner at the Prospect Cafe. Lots of fun, great food provide by Nick F. :) and well attended. Thanks again!!
8/4/12 The WHASL's third summer season just completed with a record 102 girls playing summer ball. Thanks to all coaches and volunteers!
4/23/12
Below is a complete compiling of player comments regarding the league's third annual WINTER WORKOUTS (Two Claps for Bebe Twyman for compiling the list).
What I liked best about fielding sessions:
The scrimmaging
Quick drills
Quick drills
The practice pitching to get better as we go
Pitching
Pitching
Made drills fun.
Fun drills
Fun drills
Repetition
Good drills, practice
Good drills
Practice reinforcement even if you sucked
Drills
Scrimmages
Drill where people rolled the ball and we had to scoop and jump
Grounders
Pop fly drills
Diving for the ball drill
Learning how to throw properly
Throwing
Practicing the crow hop
Pitching and crow hop
Crow hop
Learning the right position for my glove
Relay races
What I liked best about batting sessions:
Hitting in the batting cages
Hitting in the cages
Hitting in the cages
Hitting in the cages
Hitting in the cages
Hitting drills
Hitting drills
Hitting in the cages and off the tee
Hitting
Scrimmage and batting cage
Drills and rotating through the skills
Different workouts focused on different aspects of swing
Worked on technique
Bunting
Drills I have never tried, interesting equipment
Fun bats like the parachute
Scrimmaging
Scrimmaging
Hitting the ball and running the bases
I improved
It was fun. Everything was cool.
Everything. I love batting.
When the coaches taught us how to put the bat in back of us
Batting competition
What I would like to do more of:
Scrimmaging and pitching
Scrimmaging and more music
Scrimmages
Scrimmage
Scrimmage
Scrimmage
Scrimmage
Catching pop ups
Nothing
Batting
Batting drills
Batting cages since I couldn’t make Wed. nights
Batting technique
Outfield Drills-not the football drills
Fielding
Pitching
Live pitching
Pitching and pop flies
Bunting and sliding
Diving skills
Catching
Fielding-it is fun and they have exciting routines
Catching and throwing
Batting
What I didn't like and why:
Liked everything
Liked everything
Liked everything
Liked everything
Liked everything
Liked everything
Liked everything
Left blank
Left blank
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Diving. It hurt.
Less scrimmaging
Batting cage offered only on one week day
Scrimmaging-different from outdoors
Football drill
The ceiling
Stac drills because they confused me
Warm-ups
Running-I’m not good at it
Running-it hurt my legs
Hated the parachute bat. It felt cold.
Too many exercises
Warm ups-tired me out
What I'd like coaches to know:
Coaches were great. Thanks for the fun WW.
It was fun.
It was fun.
It was always fun.
It was a fun session.
So fun.
It was fun.
Glad you took time out of your schedules to do this
Left blank
I had a great time.
It really benefited me.
The coaches did a great job!
I loved working with them.
Thanks for putting up with me.
I need to work more on my aim.
They’re really great,-especially my Dad.
They’re great.
They did an amazing job.
They are awesome, especially my Dad
I’m awesome
Catching
Learned a lot about catching and throwing
They are really nice. Loved the WW.
What you learned that will help you in the softball season:
Bunting and talking more with team mates
Keep my bat up and move my front foot when swinging.
Doing better in softball
Perfecting skills
Dive for ball more
Groundball techniques
Drills
Hitting outside pitches
Quick throws, quick bat
Fielding
Throwing
Learned to throw the right way
Roll dive
When you’re at 3rd. and there is a foul ball, run!
Bunting
When the catcher goes back, look out!
Keep your eye on the ball.
Bunting
Stuff about fielding
Line the bat with the base before hitting
Keep your arm back when throwing
Turning my hips more when batting
Pitching, batting, throwing
Would you like to see more clinics during the year?
All said either yes, yes!!! Or absolutely
3/3/12 The league wrapped up its third winter workout season with pizza, music, and indoor scrimmages. Fun was had by all. Thirty six players attended the winter workouts.
2/25/12 Six league coaches attended the University of Hartford Softball coaches clinic. Coach Diana Consolmagno and her players did an excellent job.
12/3/11 Ninety four attendees enjoyed the WHASL's second Hooker Brewery Fund raiser. Fun was had by all and about $1,200 was raised.
7/17/11 Our league had its second annual Jamboree Day yesterday at Sterling Field. We had 39 players (13U, Coach Pitch, and 16U) and families compete in contests, volunteer their time (16U players), eat lunch, and celebrate each others success on the field. A huge thanks to all the coaches and volunteers and to Gary Mendal (WHGSL president) for opening up the snack bar, letting us use their grill, and donating food items. Two claps for Gary!!
6/30/11 Our league is completing its second week of practice. We have four 13U teams that will play in our summer league, two coach pitch teams, and one 16U team that will play against teams from Newington, New Britain, and Wethersfield. Over 100 girls are playing softball in the WHASL this summer. Thanks to all the coaches and volunteers that make this possible.
3/12/11 Winter Workouts finished today. GOOD LUCK this spring to those trying out for high school teams, and younger players looking to continue playing can get information on playing in the West Hartford Girls Softball League by going to www.whsoftball.com
1/9/11 Winter Workout slots have all filled. Email briancorey@sbcglobal.net if you would like to be on a waiting list.
1/6/11 We are already up to 38 players (19 in each session) for the winter workouts. We are capping the sessions at 24 players each, so sign up right away as there is a real possibility of having to turn players away.
12/26/10 Sign up for winter workouts at our open house on January 1st between 4:30-6PM at Kingswood Oxford Auxiliary Gym on 32 Highland Street, West Hartford (just down the street from Bristow Middle School. More info on Winter workout page.
10/31/10 The Winter Workout registration form is now available for download on the Winter workouts page.
9/25/10 The WHASL had their first ever fund raiser at the Hooker Brewery. It was a huge success and a lot of fun as 86 people attended the event!
9/5/10 We have an instructional video on YouTube. Check it out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHPt5ExwR9g
8/27/10 Check out our all new web site pages. They include "Meeting Minutes", "Fund Raiser", "Wish List", "Jamboree pics", and "Tournament pics" pages.
7/26/10 History was made this past weekend. The WHASL played its first game ever Friday night at the indoor field at Fastpitch Nation. On Saturday players, coaches and family went to see the Stratford Brakettes. Thanks to Amy Pinette for setting this trip up. Check out the pictures on the web site.
7/17/10 Jamboree Day was a lot of fun. Twenty six players and many of their families participated in, or watched skills development in the areas of catching, pitching, batting, and fielding. Players competed in distance throw, team accuracy throw, and road runner events. Special thanks to the 16U players and coaches that assisted. Very special thanks to Board Member Bill Hackett for providing the propane, Board Members Paula Ardel and Brian Booth for purchasing lunch for everyone, and WHGSL President Gary Mandel for opening up the snack bar for our league to use for the day.
Join WHASL at the record-breaking,
history-making
Stratford
Brakettes vs. the Lady Gators
on
24 July 2010!!
How
much fun will we have - > WHASL girls will lead the
national anthem from the field, have the opportunity to throw out
the first pitch of each game, and serve as bat girls for the
Brakettes and the Lady Gators! There is a full concession
stand available at the stadium.
What
time does the fun begin - > 7 pm game start for a
double header but arrival time to be confirmed as WHASL players
will be able to watch batting practice and join the Brakettes on
the field for team pictures!
Where
do we go for the fun - > Frank DeLuca Hall of Fame
Field in Stratford, CT
How
much does the fun cost - > Players and Coaches are
FREE! Family and friends are $6 each and parking is
free!
What
should we wear for the fun - > WHASL players should wear
their team t-shirts of course!
How
do we sign up for the fun - > Send an email to Amy and David
Pinette (thepinettes@att.net)
or leave a message at 860-521-6991 with the number of people
attending (including your player(s) and coach). Further
information regarding payment will be provided upon receipt of your
reservation. Reservations
requested by 15 July 2010!
Check out the Stratford Brakettes website (www.brakettes.com)
for history, information, and directions!
6/30/10 Lots of good news. Amy Pinette is doing a wonderful job
organizing WHASL Day at the Stratford Brakettes (professional
softball at its best). Circle the date July 24th on your calender.
More info to follow. Skills and Drills was attended by 11 girls
last night. There was tremendous energy and hustle by all. I can
guarentee you there was no walking on the UCONN softball field last
night :)
6/26 Nine 12U players participated in the leagues first clinic with
Tom Eastman at Fastpitch Nation. There was lots of enthusiasm and
hard work by the pitchers. Tom has upcoming clinics with spots
available. Check their web site at
http://www.fastpitchnation.net/camps-clinics/summer_softball_pitching.php
Rosters
are out and teams are set! The 12U league will have its own page on
the web site tomorrow.
6/23/10 All team practices have begun with lots of positive
feedback. There are presently 90 players that are playing in the
WHASL's first season. Thanks to all the volunteer and parent
support. The players and the league need your involvement, and you
are coming through!... Big time!
6/16/10 The first ever WHASL open house was extremely well attended
last night. Around 25 WHASL families were represented. Information
was available on poster boards and handouts with sponsor
information and a coaching contract were available. We have enough
players to form 3 teams for the 12U recreation league. There will
be two travel teams as we combine the 16U and 14U teams. We have 8
players and growing at the Skills and Drills level. We have more
spots available and will extend registration until the end of the
week. Tell your friends they need to get those registrations in,
pronto. Right now we have 65 players registered for our first
season and expect to go well over 70 by the end of the week.
12U group practices will start on Monday (6/21) at 5:30 at the
UCONN softball field (middle field) at the corner of Trout Brook
Drive and Asylum Ave.
Email updates will be sent to each group in the next couple of
days.
Those
interested in coaching at the 12U level should meet me at 9AM at
the Softball Field at UConn.
I bring the box of Joe. You bring energy and
creativity.
6/11/10 All team equipment was purchased and paid for from Herbs.
All new equipment will be picked up next Saturday and we will be
ready to play ball on the week of June 21st.
Buy your equipment from Herbs, tell them at checkout that you play
in the West Hartford Amateur Softball Leagu and receive a 10%
discount!!
6/5/10
OPEN
HOUSE AT THE ECC - Come
and meet the Coaches and Board Members of the WHASL. This will take
place at the
Elmwood Community Center on June 15th (Tues.) from 6:30-8PM.
This
will also provide a last chance to register for one of the leagues
summer programs.
5/25/10
Free mouth
guards for all WHASL League players!!!
Rosenberg Orthodontics has set up a
time on July 10th 12-2 to make mouth guards for anyone that is
interested. This will take place at their West Hartford office at
928 Farmington Ave. Parking is in the back and the office is on the
second floor.
4/25/10
Thanks to our Publicity Director! We have made the West Hartford
News. Here's the link. http://www.westhartfordnews.com/articles/2010/04/29/sports/doc4bd76eb740ebb685308692.txt
4/9/10
The Challenger Schedule is now listed below. Please check your
email as Ronit will be looking for volunteers. Thanks for your
help. It will be rewarding and greatly appreciated.
Challenger Schedule Spring 2010
Sunday- April
25th –
Practice at KP
2:00pm
Thursday- April
29th-
Practice at KP
5:30pm
Sunday- May
2nd-
Opening Day- 11:00 am at
Hall High School
Game at home KP Middle School
against Bristol at 2:00pm
Saturday - May
8th-
Game- Away - West Hartford
in Manchester 2:00pm
Sunday- May
16th-
-
Game -Home at KP against
Newington 2:00 pm
Saturday- May 22nd-
WHLL at the Rock Cats
Sunday- May
23rd-
Game – Home at KP against
Simsbury 2:00pm
Monday- May 31st-
Memorial Day Parade
Sunday- June
6th-
Game – Home at KP against
Manchester 2:00pm
Sunday- June
13st-
Game- Home at KP against
East Hartford 2:00pm
Saturday- June 19th-
Fun Day in Bristol
Sunday- June
20th-
Champions Game – Home against South
Windsor 12 (noon) at the Uconn Field
3/27/10
The Summer Registration
Form is
now available.
3/24/10
Below is an email alert to the WHASL players who are volunteering
to help in the Challenger Division.
Hi Girls,
Thank you so much for volunteering to be a buddy on the
Challenger team. You will make a very big difference in our
children's lives and their families.
I am sending you a tentative schedule (time and fields still need
to be determined) so you will have an idea of what the season
will look like.
You don't have to commit to every game and practice, just e-mail me
when you can't be there (I will communicate with you before each
time we meet).
If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to e-mail
me.
I am looking forward to seeing all of you
I really appreciate your willingness to
help
Ronit
Shoham
Challenger
Division
West
Hartford Little League
3/7/10
The
survey results for the WHASL winter workouts:
16 players returned evaluation forms
The players had a choice to "agree", or "disagree" with the below
statements.
1. The workouts helped prepare me for the spring season: 16
agreed
2. I learned some skills that I hadn't previously learned: 14
agreed, 2 unsure
3. The workouts were fun: 16 agreed
4. I would like to participate next winter: 16 agreed
My favorite drills/activities were:
The batting game, obstacle course (x4), batting stations (x5),
infield practice with Mr. Sanford, 2 base game (x4), outfield
drills (x2), diving drills on mat, batting cage game (x7), throwing
activities, infield drills (2x), ladder drills
My least favorite drills/activities were:
ground ball drills (2x), throwing hands at ball drills, base
running (x3), anything with running, difficult T's (IE Muel T),
obstacle course, short bat drill, diving drill, simple throwing
drills
Other comments, new ideas, things you want to spend more time
on:
none-had a great time, more game situations, more ground ball
repetitions and more swings, knowledge of base work (where to throw
for certain plays), I think we should run more, I think we should
spend more time on situations (IE knowing where to throw the ball),
it was a lot of fun, and I looked forward to going every week,
could split drills more evenly between infield/outfield, it was
fun,
Interest checklist results/giving back to the community:
The
WHASL is very excited about your responses below. Thank you for
your interest. We will be sending you information about these
volunteer opportunities, as well as summer playing
opportunities.
18 players are interested in becoming buddies for the challenger
division, 13 players are interested in coaching 7-10 year olds, 7
players are interested in coaching a team in the 12U league
3/6/10
The
WHASL (Where The "Player" Comes First, Inc.) received notification
in the mail today that we are a public charity, and tax
exempt under
section 501 (C) (3). We are now qualified to receive tax deductible
bequests, devises, transfers or gifts under section 2055, 2106, or
2522 of the Code. A special thanks to Scott Franklin for making
this possible.
3/3/10
The
WHASL volunteers discussed a range of topics at the league meeting
tonight.
1. By the end of the month a registration form for programs serving
girls from ages 7-17 will be available for distribution. A copy
will appear on this web site at that time.
Exciting plans continue for players who want to play in the first
ever 12U summer softball league. Also, a team will be forming at
both the 14U, and 16U level. These teams will play games against
area teams, and play in both a home and away tournament. Summer
play will start in June and end the first week in August.
Seven to ten year olds will have the opportunity to receive
instruction from WHASL coaches and high school players.
2. In other important news the Board of Directors was chosen. See
the "Board of Directors
page" for
a complete list of Directors. Also, notice we are still looking to
fill volunteer positions.



