The Mount Gambier Softball League will hit the pitch this weekend with the start of what promises to be an unpredictable 2022-23 season amid team change-ups.
For the first time in recent years there will only be five teams in the competition as Warriors could not fill their usual second team.
Mount Gambier Softball League treasurer Di Humphries said it was disappointing for the league that Warriors stripped back to one team.
“We thought we were growing but then Warriors could not fill two teams,” she said.
“They have too many for one team but not enough for two.”
There will be Concordes White, Concordes United, Warriors, Demons and Wanderers in this season’s competition.
The biggest switch up this year is arguably Demons, who have created a mostly new team from last season under the guidance of new coach Kezia Feast.
Feast worked hard to recruit Concordes big hitter Billie Jones and Wanderer stalwart Emily Hart (pictured) in a shake-up for the ages.
“Demons have picked up a few good players from different clubs,” Humphries said.
Wanderers have enlisted a few new faces to the diamond and will be coached by Nat Anderson.
Fan favourite Leyna Bruggeman is hoping to lead Warriors to victory with new recruit and former Concorde White left-hand hitter Linda “Doddsy” Dodds.
Both Concordes teams have nominated two coaches which could be the secret to another Concordes-only grand final.
Last year’s final was an epic battle between Concordes United and Concordes White as United claimed a 2-1 win against their opposing team.
Concordes United will be coached by last year’s player of the grand final, league best and fairest and most RBI’S Dana Jones and catching sensation Hannah Taylor.
Meanwhile, Concordes White will be under the guidance of long-time softball legends Gordon Conlan and Sonia Wilson.
The first match up of the season will be between Concordes United and Warriors on diamond 1 at 1pm while diamond 3 will house Wanderers vs Demons as Hart faces off against her old team.
Last year’s runner up premiers Concordes White will be having a bye for the first round, giving them time to gauge the competition.
However, Humphries warns the team mix up means this year could be “anyone’s game”.
“You do not know what is happening until after the first couple of weeks,” she said.
As the season progresses, the All Star Fully Loaded Softball charity game on November 25 at 6pm promises to be the event of the season.
All proceeds will be donated to the Mount Gambier Cancer Support Group.
The star-studded line-up will include the biggest names in the competition.
Most clubs have announced their line-ups for the event while Wanderer’s nominated players are yet to be announced.
Warriors’ representatives will be Clare Chaplin, Ange “Jarvo” Queale, Sarah Polderman, Justine Koop and Erin “The Flash” Chaplin.
Demons are proud to announce their all-star match up of Feast, original member Sarah Nieuwenhuizen and club newcomers Jones and Hart.
Meanwhile, Concordes United players Taylor, Jones, Codie Jackway and Leonie McCallum will take to the pitch for their club.
Humphries said every innings was started with loaded bases.
“This is the fast version of softball, like the T20 of cricket,” she said.
“We are just having an exhibition game and picking the best players from all the teams to make up two teams of 10.
“We will try to do something each year to raise money for the local group.
“It is important to us the money we raise stays local.”
