Growing Up, Not Giving Up: A Concord Softball Story - Summer 2025
Concord Softball partnered with the local minor league team, the Martinez Sturgeons, who generously donated nearly 200 tickets to the Concord adult softball program. The league raffled off tickets and held a special contest where teams could win tickets for their full roster and the chance to throw out the first pitch. To enter, players shared what Concord Softball means to them—this winning entry was selected by game operation staff.
What does Concord Softball mean to our team, Bat Intentions? “Well, I know I was born and raised here. I did little league in Concord all the way through high school. And now I find myself playing Concord Softball,” said our team manager Merv in response to this question. One look at our team roster reveals many unique players at many different levels. Some of us grew up playing softball and baseball. Playing on a team now reminds us of the love for the sport we developed when we were young. Other team members only started playing recently. Jessica, another team member, said that she “didn’t grow up playing,” but that “playing with this team has brought a different love to the sport than I thought I could have. The team has become my second family.” Concord Softball provides us an opportunity to develop individually and connect with our teammates. Despite our different life experiences and skill levels, softball unites us. Softball means teamwork: we know that we can rely on each other both on and off the field. Softball means community: our teammates remember our birthdays, bring food to share after batting practice, and make us laugh until we cry. Softball means growing up, but not giving up: none of us are kids anymore, but we still have that childlike love for the game. We know how to work hard through adversity, and we know how to have fun every time we play. To us, softball as a sport means all of this and more, and the Concord Softball league is what makes it all possible.