Playing Softball at the Bangkok International Softball League

Earlier this year, at a conference in Tokyo, the world governing bodies for baseball and softball had agreed to merge and form the World Baseball Softball Confederation in an effort to have both sports accepted back into the Olympic Games in 2020, after they missed being included in the London 2012 Olympics. The same effort to promote both baseball and softball is undergoing in Thailand too, where amateur associations have been established since 1966 for softball and, much later, in 1992, for baseball. Unfortunately, neither of the two sports was selected to be included to participate in the 13^th Southeast Asian Games which will take place in Naypyidaw, Myanmar’s new capital, in December 2013.

Although there are a few distinct differences between baseball and softball, the rules of the game are pretty much the same. Compared to baseball, in softball, the ball is much larger while the play area is smaller with shorter distances between the mount, plate and the route around the bases.

The Bangkok International Softball League (BISL) has been operating in the Thai capital for over 20 seasons. The game played at BISL is slow-pitch softball and involves over 160 expats from all over the world and also involves Thai players. One of the BISL expat players is Dr. Troy P. Regis, a 40-year-old American who has been living in Thailand for the past four years and is the Middle School Mathematics Department Head at the International School Bangkok in Pakkret, Nonthaburi.

Dr. Troy explained the difference between softball and baseball: “The benefits of softball versus baseball is that a lot more people can play the game of softball because the ball comes in on a 6-foot to 12-foot arc, and not at 80 or 90 miles per hour like baseballs. The game is played at a bit of a slower pace as well, so that adults from 18 to 80 can play the game, whereas baseball tends to be generally played by younger players.”

Most of the players in the BISL have some experience playing both sports, but many of them have transitioned out of baseball and only play softball competitively now. One other major difference is that they play doubleheaders (2 games, 7 innings each), whereas in baseball they tend to play only one game (9 innings). The softball game is played with 10 defensive players in the field and they can bat an open lineup, which means up to 15 batters in total at the plate.

Dr. Troy started playing softball during his high school days in America while at the same time playing baseball. When he went to university, he stopped playing baseball and has only played softball since he was about 17 years old. With his field experience gained in Michigan, Arizona, and Missouri, he is a great addition to the BISL and has played for two full seasons now in Bangkok.

One point that must be noted is that softball gear in Thailand is quite expensive. Dr. Troy stated that: “Since I have not purchased any here, I buy mine when I am at home. However, I know that you can buy a glove for fielding for anywhere between $45 and $200, depending on the quality of the leather. Bats typically cost between $120 and $450, again depending on the brand and the technology used to make the bat.”

Other than that, the only other equipment most players use as a standard is cleats, which are the appropriate shoes. Uniforms and hats, batting gloves, and other equipment can be used as players prefer. While the league does require uniforms during matches, most team sponsors help to supply the relevant colours and design for their team.

The BISL does not operate out of one location but it is rather run by players through a governing Board of Directors and Advisors. “We also have team representatives who help to make decisions about rules and variations to how we play the game. While there are standard rules for the game of softball, leagues can modify some of the rules to fit their own league,” Dr. Troy explained.

To join the softball league, each player must pay a 1000 baht player fee, and a team has to pay 40,000 baht to play in the league. While sponsors pay the league entrance fee for the teams, players on most teams have to pay the individual player fee by themselves.

Referring to the softball movement in Thailand, Dr. Troy P. Regis confessed that, “it’s great that there are so many players here in Bangkok, but I would like to see more adults playing softball, however. Given the size of Bangkok, and the number of people in Thailand in general, there should be more players out there who may not even know the league exists. I would also like to see more women come out and play. It is an adult league, and we have had some women play in the past, but at this point, all of our current members are male. I know there are women in the area who can play softball, so I would like to see them join the league.”

This is especially true since softball is for anyone who has ever played baseball or softball, or even the game of rounders or cricket, which use similar skill sets. The key in being a successful softball player is having good eye-hand coordination for hitting and catching the ball. Softball can be played by people of any age, and the BISL has a wide variety of people in their league with ages ranging from 20 to 70 years old.

“The biggest difference here, when compared to where I played softball in America, is that we don’t have players who just show up and play on teams as substitutes,” clarified Dr. Troy. “In America, many softball complexes are used where multiple fields are available, multiple games are taking place at the same time, and there are players who show up and play with a team they have never played with before, but who might need a player or two to make 10 in the field. Here in Bangkok, we just have our teams in the league who play and our rules only allow a player to be on one roster only.”

Playing softball in Thailand can be physically challenging just due to the heat alone. The BISL plays doubleheaders each week, so after playing one game which lasts for about one hour and a half, then the payers can have a rest between the next game, or even play immediately afterwards. Softball does require running, but at various speeds to track down balls in the field, or between bases when the team are on the offense.

“Softball in Thailand is a great way to connect with expats and Thais who work in a variety of fields. It has been great establishing a network of teammates and friends throughout the league who have also become part of my social circle outside of the game,” confessed Dr. Troy.

The BISL has been played at several different fields over the years, but currently they are using a couple of the local international schools, especially International School Bangkok (Samakee Road, Pakkret, Nonthaburi) and Ruamrudee International School (Ramkhamhaeng Road, Minburi, Bangkok). For more information about their schedule, teams, standings, and upcoming events, visit their website.

Initially published in Mango Metro (November 2013, Vol. 7, No.12)

Browse our gallery from more photos from the Bangkok International Softball League:

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