Lincoln softball ready to launch second season

Lincoln softball enthusiasts are gearing up for the second season of the Lincoln Co-Ed Softball League, which now has a website with photos of town games from last year—and decades ago.

Returning in 2017 are the five teams from last year: the Chiefs, Coyotes, Grapes, Mohawks and Trailblazers, but more players are needed and a sixth team will form if necessary. Players—who must be 18 or over but needn’t be Lincoln residents—can register for $40 apiece ($50 after June 16) by going to lincolncoedsoftballleague.website.siplay.com. There will be games starting the week of June 17 on Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays at the Codman Pool field; each team will play one or two games per week, plus playoffs.

Once the season gets going, the website will feature schedules, standings and rosters, and photos to supplement the pictures from last year—as well as historic photos from the Lincoln Mohawks baseball team, which played in the Paul Revere League from the late 19th century until the mid-20th century.

“I like the tribute to the old team—it gives continuity. I’m a history guy and I always try to at least nod to the past,” said league co-founder Richard Card. The historic pictures were photographed in the Lincoln Town Archives by David Elmes.

Teams must have at least one woman playing in the infield and outfield each inning (not counting the pitcher and catcher), and the batting order must have one woman for every two men.

“We’re trying to make everyone welcome, whether you’re a beginning or experienced player,” Card said, echoing the league’s mission statement proclaiming itself to be a “mildly competitive league dedicated to recreation, sportsmanship, gender equality, and community.”