IT’S TIME TO SIGN UP FOR A LEAGUE AND PLAY BALL

GOT YOUR GLOVE? NOW PUT IT TO USE BY JOINING A RECREATIONAL LEAGUE.

Fauzia Arain

April 10, 2008

Most suburban and city park districts host softball or baseball programs, as do the following local organizations, so your next game could be just a few bat lengths away.

Chicago Sport and Social Club: More than 600 softball teams are expected to participate in this year’s leagues. Summer leagues start in June throughout the city. Registration fee covers 6-7 games of regular season play, plus single-elimination playoffs, a T-shirt for each player (limit 15), umpires, equipment (excludes gloves for 12-inch), administration, prizes for winners and drink and food specials at sponsor bar. Registration fee: $855-$1,350 per team or $85-$100 per individual, $3.50 processing fee for all registrations. 1516 N. Fremont St.; 312-335-9596, www.chicagosportandsocialclub.com

Players Sports Group: Summer softball leagues offer a guaranteed 8 games (7 season games and 1 playoff game), and each team makes the first round of playoffs. Summer leagues start in May throughout the city. Registration covers umpires, T-shirts and online access to schedules and standings. Registration fee: $1,079-$1,129 per team, $95 per individual. 3617 N. Ashland Ave.; 773-528-1999, www.playerssports.net

Chicago Park District: The park district boasts a variety of summer offerings for both kids and adults, including softball and baseball programs for a variety of skill levels. Summer session starts in June. Registration fee: Free to $500. Various parks in Chicago. See programs.chicagoparkdistrict.com/programBrowser for more information.

Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association (CMSA): In addition to other sports leagues, this organization is home to what’s billed as the largest gay and lesbian open softball league, with more than 650 players on 43 teams participating in last year’s 12-inch Open Summer Sunday Softball league. Season begins April 27 at Margate Park (Lawrence Avenue and Lake Shore Drive) and Clarendon Park (Montrose and Clarendon Avenues). Registration fee: $350 per team, $60 per individual (paid by April 14), players must be CMSA members (fees may apply). Contact [email protected] with questions. CMSA, 3023 N. Clark St., #806; 312-409-7932, registration and more information at chicagomsa.d4sportsclub.com.