Jack Nagle and Wayne Grunewald are a couple of aging kids – at least when it comes to softball in the Restricted Bat League.
The RBL is unique among the many softball leagues in The Villages. Powerful bats – such as Miken – are not allowed. Team rosters are judiciously selected for balance. Players of all skill levels compete. And, Nagle and Grunewald emphasize, strategy and defense dominates over power and muscle.
“It’s like when we were kids playing sandlot ball,” said Grunewald, RBL coordinator of roster players and substitutes. “The idea is to have fun.”
Nagle, commissioner of the RBL, agrees.
“The goal is to play ball the way we played the game when we were growing up,” he said. “In the RBL, there’s no stats, no pressure and no ego. We’re out there having a good time.”
The league is growing in popularity. Last fall, there were six teams in the RBL. The new season, which starts Sept. 11, is expected to have at least 10 teams with 12 players on each squad and about 20 substitutes. The league is still accepting player applications, available at Saddlebrook Recreation Center or online at www.softballatthevillages.com.
The draft will be held later this month and that’s where Grunewald comes in. He will rate each player. The 120 players are divided into three groups, based on playing ability: Group A, B and C.
“It takes a lot of time but it’s worth it,” said Grunewald, who also assigns subs for teams during the season. During the draft, Grunewald tries to assure that each team will receive 4 A (top-rated) players, 4 B players and 4 C players. In the RBL, you could have a Recreation League Division 2 player competing against a less-skilled Division 4 player.
“That’s what makes this league so interesting,” Nagle said. “You have players with different skill levels who have a chance to play against each other.”
Bats also play a major role in the RBL. Only single-wall steel or aluminum bats can be used.
“These bats are safer and don’t cost as much (as those used in some Recreation leagues),” Nagle said.
Both Grunewald and Nagle play in Recreation leagues but say they have the most fun in the RBL.
“I think there’s more defense and strategy because the bats aren’t as powerful,” Grunewald said. “That means hitting skill over power.”
Nagle agrees.
“You’re looking to find those holes when you’re batting, rather than trying to hit the ball over the outfielders’ heads,” he said. “That takes more precision and skill.”
The goal is to attain “a level of fairness,” Nagle added. He also said each team has two “co-managers” instead of the usual one manager.
“One guy doesn’t have to do everything,” Nagle said. “We’re also teaching and developing local players into managers. It’s a great way to learn.”
Games are played every Tuesday afternoon at 2 and 3:30 p.m. at the Buffalo Glen Softball Complex. Players also serve as umpires and announcers.
It’s all part of the RBL community.
“What makes it work is the spirit of the players and their commitment to the league,” Nagle said.
And Grunewald is happy to be a part of it.
“It just like being on the sandlot,” he said.
