In Memory of
Diana Purdy
Diana Purdy
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Diana Lee Purdy, also known as Dee Dee, wife of WSSA player Steve Purdy, passed away on August 19, 2023, in Topsail Island, North Carolina. The WSSA wishes to send its condolences to Steve and the family.
A memorial service will be held at Noon on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at the New Life Christian Center at 1053 East Ocean Highway, Holly Ridge, NC, 28445. The family would like attendees to know that they are welcome to dress casually with a flair of color. Her obituary may be found here. |
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In Memory of
Jim Sidbury James Thompson Sidbury of Wilmington passed away peacefully at home on August 4, 2023. Jim played in the WSSA for many years and was always a welcome teammate with his solid play and friendly demeanor.
A Memorial and Celebration of Life will be held at 3 pm, Saturday, 8/26/2023 at Andrews Mortuary on 1617 Market Street, Wilmington, NC. His obituary may be found here. |
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Second Half of Season Begins August 22 with Heat Advisories in Place
The second half of the WSSA season begins at 9:30am on August 22, with field access time of 8:45am (as long as work crews are not on the fields). The National Weather Service predicts that the heat index will be in the mid-90s at game time, will reach 98 degrees by 10:00am and 103 degrees by 11:00am. At these temperatures all play is governed by the WSSA Player Manual Rule 2.5, a copy of which is quoted below. This rule is not optional. There is no room for judgement. We don't take a poll of the players and ask them if they want to continue. This can be especially risky for many players for whom this will be the first day on the field since June. In the words of WSSA Commissioner Mike Clancy, "It is not fair to players who would be having issues to make a decision to not play and possibly cost team a forfeit ." We can always make up for the second game at the end of September when the temps are lower.
Please remember that the Heat Rule for play should be used. One-and-one count or 5-inning games are required.
Managers should inform umpires of the special rules we put in place for hot weather.
From the WSSA Manual:
2.5 Hot Weather Rule
During periods of hot and humid weather, managers should monitor the condition of their
players and rotate players in and out as much as possible. Players are urged to hydrate
before, during, and after games. Players who demonstrate unusual fatigue, dizziness,
unresponsiveness, confusion, excessive sweating or no sweating, should be placed in the
shade or cool location, cool towels applied, and on the side of caution for the player’s
well-being, a quick decision whether or not to call 9-1-1 should be made by the
managers and umpire. The decision to call 9-1-1 should never be left to the player who
is in distress. No player who exhibits the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke should
be left unattended and should not be permitted to leave the park and drive
alone. The emergency contact should be notified and advised of the situation
and asked how to proceed.
The Coastal and Legacy Divisions Managers use a temperature and heat index rating to
define when and how to handle the hot weather. (The WECT-TV Weather App on smart
phones will be the official temperature and heat index guide).
TEMPERATURE Heat Index ACTION TO BE TAKEN
90-94 degrees or 95 degree heat index: It is Mandatory to shorten games
95 degrees & above or 100 degree heat index: *All games must be stopped; no further
play allowed*
Scores of games halted by heat will revert back to the end of the previous inning if
doing so would result in an official game.
Specific Rules for Hot Weather
1) No pitching or infield warm-up period after the first inning.
2) All teams must have the on-deck batter ready to enter the batter’s box when the last
batter has completed his at bat. Failure to comply will result in the pitcher throwing a pitch
to the catcher and the umpire will call it a strike. This will continue until the batter is called
out on strikes or takes his place in the batter’s box.
3) Courtesy runners must be ready to enter the game immediately. Any delay will result
in no courtesy runner being allowed.
4) The decision of the umpire is final for rules 1-3 above.
The second half of the WSSA season begins at 9:30am on August 22, with field access time of 8:45am (as long as work crews are not on the fields). The National Weather Service predicts that the heat index will be in the mid-90s at game time, will reach 98 degrees by 10:00am and 103 degrees by 11:00am. At these temperatures all play is governed by the WSSA Player Manual Rule 2.5, a copy of which is quoted below. This rule is not optional. There is no room for judgement. We don't take a poll of the players and ask them if they want to continue. This can be especially risky for many players for whom this will be the first day on the field since June. In the words of WSSA Commissioner Mike Clancy, "It is not fair to players who would be having issues to make a decision to not play and possibly cost team a forfeit ." We can always make up for the second game at the end of September when the temps are lower.
Please remember that the Heat Rule for play should be used. One-and-one count or 5-inning games are required.
Managers should inform umpires of the special rules we put in place for hot weather.
From the WSSA Manual:
2.5 Hot Weather Rule
During periods of hot and humid weather, managers should monitor the condition of their
players and rotate players in and out as much as possible. Players are urged to hydrate
before, during, and after games. Players who demonstrate unusual fatigue, dizziness,
unresponsiveness, confusion, excessive sweating or no sweating, should be placed in the
shade or cool location, cool towels applied, and on the side of caution for the player’s
well-being, a quick decision whether or not to call 9-1-1 should be made by the
managers and umpire. The decision to call 9-1-1 should never be left to the player who
is in distress. No player who exhibits the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke should
be left unattended and should not be permitted to leave the park and drive
alone. The emergency contact should be notified and advised of the situation
and asked how to proceed.
The Coastal and Legacy Divisions Managers use a temperature and heat index rating to
define when and how to handle the hot weather. (The WECT-TV Weather App on smart
phones will be the official temperature and heat index guide).
TEMPERATURE Heat Index ACTION TO BE TAKEN
90-94 degrees or 95 degree heat index: It is Mandatory to shorten games
95 degrees & above or 100 degree heat index: *All games must be stopped; no further
play allowed*
Scores of games halted by heat will revert back to the end of the previous inning if
doing so would result in an official game.
Specific Rules for Hot Weather
1) No pitching or infield warm-up period after the first inning.
2) All teams must have the on-deck batter ready to enter the batter’s box when the last
batter has completed his at bat. Failure to comply will result in the pitcher throwing a pitch
to the catcher and the umpire will call it a strike. This will continue until the batter is called
out on strikes or takes his place in the batter’s box.
3) Courtesy runners must be ready to enter the game immediately. Any delay will result
in no courtesy runner being allowed.
4) The decision of the umpire is final for rules 1-3 above.
August 22nd is Coastal Division Picture Day
Tuesday, August 22, the first day of the 2023 season's second half, will be team picture day for the Coastal Division. There has been plenty of time to wash your uniform, so you should look sharp for the photo. Don't forget to wear your team-issued cap for the picture.
Tuesday, August 22, the first day of the 2023 season's second half, will be team picture day for the Coastal Division. There has been plenty of time to wash your uniform, so you should look sharp for the photo. Don't forget to wear your team-issued cap for the picture.
New : Financial Statement updated August 8, 2023
Second Half of Season Practices Scheduled for Coastal (updated) and Atlantic Divisions
The second half of the 2023 season begins on August 22. Coastal players can find your Ogden Park practice time below to get back together with you teammates and prepare for the finish.
The Atlantic Division will conduct informal practices at Olsen Park on 8/15 and 8/17.
Forecasts predict plenty of hot weather still to come, so be sure to drink plenty of healthy liquids and pace yourself to reacclimate to hot weather exercise.
The second half of the 2023 season begins on August 22. Coastal players can find your Ogden Park practice time below to get back together with you teammates and prepare for the finish.
The Atlantic Division will conduct informal practices at Olsen Park on 8/15 and 8/17.
Forecasts predict plenty of hot weather still to come, so be sure to drink plenty of healthy liquids and pace yourself to reacclimate to hot weather exercise.
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Ron Atkins Sees Grandson Win NCAA Championship.
Atlantic Division player and 2022 WSSA Hall of Fame inductee Ron Atkins and his wife Carol traveled to Cedar Rapids, Iowa last week to watch their grandson Ben Jones help his team, the University of Lynchburg, capture the NCAA Division III College Baseball World Series. Lynchburg met Johns Hopkins University in a best of three series final and in the pivotal game three Ben hit a two-run homer to help Lynchburg capture the Division III World Series. Ben is only a freshman and is the starting second baseman for the Hornets. |
WSSA Golf Shirts Available Now
These WSSA golf shirts (click on image for larger view) are now available for purchase in size large and extra large. To purchase a shirt or shirts online click here.
To purchase by check, send your request to 1319 Military Cutoff Rd., Box 302, Wilmington NC 28405, being sure to list the number and size of the shirts you want; or email us with the number and size of the shirts you would like, then mail payment ($40 each) to the above address. Once payment is received your order will be mailed to you.
These WSSA golf shirts (click on image for larger view) are now available for purchase in size large and extra large. To purchase a shirt or shirts online click here.
To purchase by check, send your request to 1319 Military Cutoff Rd., Box 302, Wilmington NC 28405, being sure to list the number and size of the shirts you want; or email us with the number and size of the shirts you would like, then mail payment ($40 each) to the above address. Once payment is received your order will be mailed to you.
State Games Teams Now Being Formed
The North Carolina State Senior Games will be in Cary this year from Oct. 22nd to the 25th. We are inviting WSSA and other interested softball players to join a team. We have enough talent and interest to field at least 2--maybe 3-- teams. Any players interested in an 80+ team please contact John Bonner. Those interested in a 70+ team can contact Mike Master. If you are interested in 75+, 65+ and 60+ teams please take the lead in organizing a team.
To participant you must be registered for a local county games. It does not have to be the county in which you live (New Hanover County does not have local games). Brunswick and Onslow Counties are popular with our players, but registration in any local games will make you eligible.
The North Carolina State Senior Games will be in Cary this year from Oct. 22nd to the 25th. We are inviting WSSA and other interested softball players to join a team. We have enough talent and interest to field at least 2--maybe 3-- teams. Any players interested in an 80+ team please contact John Bonner. Those interested in a 70+ team can contact Mike Master. If you are interested in 75+, 65+ and 60+ teams please take the lead in organizing a team.
To participant you must be registered for a local county games. It does not have to be the county in which you live (New Hanover County does not have local games). Brunswick and Onslow Counties are popular with our players, but registration in any local games will make you eligible.
The WSSA Has Opportunities for Umpires
The Wilmington Senior Softball Association is looking for umpires for their games this season, which runs from April 11-October 20. Pay is $35 per game, and we play all double-headers, so you can earn $70 a day. Games are played Tuesday and Thursday mornings at Ogden Park and Olsen Park in Wilmington. The WSSA will help train you in the skills of umpiring and will pay for your USA Softball Umpire Certification if you decide to umpire for us. To contact us about umpiring email wssa2017@gmail.com or go the Contact Us page.