JSWSL: A League Of Their Own

Ever feel like you're so caught up in your hectic daily tasks that you never take a minute to yourself to do something fun? Well a few years ago I found myself in this exact position and that's when I heard about the Jersey Shore Women's Softball League or JSWSL for short.

Eight years ago Eddie Anzarouth started a Summer softball league for the woman in our community. The games are held each Summer from July through August on Wednesdays and Fridays. Anzarouth makes sure everything is very legitimate, using only ASA approved and trained umpires and the games are held on the best manicured fields in the area.

At JSWSL, there's a place for every age and skill set. The ages of the players in the league range from as young as 17 years old to players in their fifties and every age in between. Anzarouth tries not to turn anyone away who wants to play, which is why he had to make the JSWSL a two league program.

Wednesday morning league is highly competitive. They have some of the most skilled athletes in our community! The Friday morning league is more for beginners and girls who just want to have fun while improving their batting and fielding skills in a not as heated, but still competitive atmosphere.

“I feel that it is important that our community has sports programs for both men and women for many reasons,” explained Eddie,  “It is a great way to release the stress in everyone's daily life and it’s also great being together with community members to play on the same team and towards a common goal.”

“Sport Leagues build a type of bond that may not have previously existed,” said Eddie when asked about the importance of what he does.

JSWSL is also a family bonding experience for some. There are mothers and daughters, sisters, and cousins that play with and against each other.

After the championship game is played and won at the end of the Summer, Eddie hosts an award ceremony at his home on Surry Lane. This is a fun experience for the players because they get to mingle uncompetitively and see each other in a new non-athletic light.

According to many of the players, the award ceremony is the best part it all. At the ceremony, a giant championship trophy is awarded to the captain of the winning team.  The winners, however, are not the only ones recognized. Eddie gives attention to the most improved beginner who is awarded the Rookie of The Year trophy. He also awards multiple players with the Gold Glove for incredible fielding as well as the sportsmanship award and of course Most valuable player, to name a few.

With colorful neon shirts and quirky names like Orange Crush or Pink Lemonade, each year that passes the league grows in both numbers and skill. Eddie is also the DSN K-1 Supervisor for Dow Avenue Summer Boys Baseball League! 

For further information on sponsoring a team or signing up for a 2018 league, please contact Eddie Anzarouth at (732) 245 - 6493 or eddieboy86@aol.com.

 

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Frieda@sephardic.org

Frieda Schweky is Sephardic.Org's official community events reporter. For inquiries and to get involved with our site, please contact Frieda via email.