BRICK – As girls youth softball continues to grow more popular around the country and locally, Brick Little League is stepping up to the plate.
The League announced they will be offering Little League Affiliated Girls Softball for the first time in the organization’s 40-year history.
The Girls Softball Program is open to girls ages 9 to 12 who reside in Brick, league officials said.
The new program is separate from Brick Recreation’s Girls Softball Program that serves girls in grades 2 through 12 and will continue to run.
Brick Little League officials said the new program will be played at the softball field at Herbertsville Park, Toms River Little League and Jackson-Holbrook Little League, with indoor practices held at Brick Little League.
At the end of the recreation season, Brick Little League will form two All-Star teams to compete in Little League sanctioned All-Star tournaments, starting in NJ District 18 and can go as far as NJ Section, NJ State, East Region and even the Little League World Series Softball Tournament in Grenville, North Carolina.
For years the League has had girls playing Little League baseball but has not offered softball previously.
“We have a lot of girls that play in our Tee Ball and Coach Pitch Divisions which go up to age 8, and then we have seen a drop off in participation with girls when they go up to our Minors and Majors Divisions starting at 9,” new Brick Little League President Steve Gogal said. “Now with this new program the League will be able to give the girls the same Little League experience the boys get including the chance to raise All Star Tournament Championship Banners.”
In 2024, Brick Little League marked the historic 50th Anniversary of girls being allowed to participate in Little League Baseball. Mayor Lisa Crate and members of the Township Council joined in on the celebration at Opening Day Ceremonies as they honored the monumental occasion.
The ceremony recognized the local girls and women volunteers, coaches and players that are a part of Little League. The mayor was recognized as the First Elected Female Mayor of Brick Township and was presented a plaque and a bouquet of flowers from the League’s girl players and volunteers.
“We wanted to thank the Mayor Lisa Crate, the Brick Township Recreation Department and Committee, and everyone at the Township of Brick who helped support this new Program as part of our League,” Gogal added.
Registration for the Brick Little League 2025 Spring Baseball and Girls Softball Season is now open online at bricklittleleague.com.
