LET’S PLAY BALL

from What's On DXB - September 2022

LONDON LIFE

Hey batter, batter, batter

Emirates Softball League wants new players – are you ready to play ball?

‘Foul ball’. ‘Fly ball’. ‘Drop ball’. These are just a handful of terms you will come across shortly after stepping onto the home plate for your first game of softball. But ‘don’t be put off’, say brothers Tommy and Robert Fiala, co-founders of Emirates Softball League (ESL), who are on the lookout for new recruits. They’re out to prove this American sport is a fast route to fun and fitness.

When did you start the Emirates Softball League?

We started ESL in 2017 when the Dubai Softball League (DSL) came to an end due to the Dubai Canal project demolishing our old pitch. One night, we called a few people together to practice in an open field near Arabian Ranches. It wasn’t ideal as there was a football goalpost in the middle of the field near second base. The next weekend we decided to do it again and more people showed up, and it snowballed from there.

So, you managed to find a new home to play ball in the end?

Between bouncing around different school grounds, we ended up making friends with Dubai Little League (DLL). We’d umpire, coach or just help out when they needed, and they kindly invited us to use their beautiful facility. That’s when we finally had a proper field. It’s been five years now and our league grows every season.

Can both men and women play?

Yes. Monday nights are our competitive league, which is mostly men. Friday nights are mixed leagues. We have three leagues for all skill levels. Each team must have a minimum of two ladies playing at all times, but most rosters have between four and five. Currently, we have 12 teams that play on Fridays and five teams that play on Mondays. It’s a melting pot of nationalities but our most social night is Friday.

Tommy and Robert

How does softball differ to baseball?

There are a few differences but ultimately it’s the same principle and logic. Softballs are bigger. Men hit a 12-inch ball and ladies hit an 11-inch ball. Pitching is also different. The pitch must have an arc of between six and 12 feet from the ground, and we toss it underhand and slow. There are also 10 people on the field instead of nine in baseball. The rest is basically the same.

What kit do you need?

For beginners, we say come as you are. ESL has gloves and bats for league players to borrow. As people get more involved, they tend to want better gear. Team kits and names are decided by the captains, and they create their own uniforms.

How often do you play?

Mondays, which is competitive, and Fridays which are social and mixed. We also travel to play. Later this year we’re off to Germany. We also host tournaments, including the Middle East Softball Championship, where GCC teams come to Dubai and play.

Is there a lot of ‘trash talk’ or is it friendly and fun?

Depending on the night, it can get quite competitive, but overall it’s really social. You make lifelong friends. It becomes a big family.

How can people get involved?

Our ‘Fall Ball’ season starts in September and runs for 12 weeks. Membership costs Dhs500. We encourage everyone to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates and events, and of course, to sign up and play.

Tel: (050) 557 4136. Facebook.com/EmiratesSoftballLeague @emirates_softball_league