Windmill Fastpitch Softball

 HISTORY: Our present league began in 1990 as a girl 12/14 & Under Fast Pitch Summer Softball Travel League. The league was based in the city of Marshall, Wisconsin and included teams from Marshall, Oconomowoc, Watertown, Sun Prairie, and Lake Mills. The league disbanded in 1995 after its 6th season. In 1996 a 12 and Under Fast Pitch Summer Softball League, based in Lake Mills, Wisconsin and called the Windmill Travel League was formed. Teams from Deerfield, Cambridge, and Johnson Creek traveled to Lake Mills to compete against one another. Games were hosted by the Lake Mills Windmill Traveling Teams and played at the Lakeside Lutheran High School diamond in Lake Mills. 

In 1997 a 14 and Under Fast Pitch Summer Softball League was added and in 1999 local area high schools began summer league play. In 2002 the Windmill League opened play for girls age 10 and younger. Play was centered on a pitching machine and an 11” dimpled machine ball. Rules were modified to allow for greater participation.

In 2007 the Windmill League began an "infield only" league for girls age 8 and younger. Rules and playing field were modified to add excitement and to accomodate the younger age group. Although play was patterned after the successful 10U league an 11” Jugs Lite-Flite® foam softball was used for safety. Girls with playing Ages 5 to 6 became eligible to play in the U8 Program. Players learn to hit off the tee and off a pitching machine. Designed to teach the basic skills; All girls play and learn the game of softball, develop a team attitude and above all else... HAVE FUN!

In 2009 the Windmill League began "Live Pitch" league for girls age 10 and younger. ASA rules are modified to accommodate the skill level of the players of this age group.

New in the 2014 season - ASA Fastpitch Division U10 live and U12 - ASA Rules - No Modifications.  

Introduced in 2015 - the Developmental and Prep Divisions in the U14 age group. Please "Check Handouts" for a description of the two groups. Both groups play ASA rules.

New in 2016 - The U8 Machine Pitch league adopts the Diamond DFPM-12 ball. It is light weight. It throws well, is dimpled for true flight and greater pitching accuracy. The ball is a little larger than the lite-flite but the dimples help in the grip of the ball.

Also new in 2016 - Live Pitch League in the U8 age group. ASA rules are modified to suit the younger player. 

In 2021 - The U10 Live Pitch Division introduced the beginner and recreational categories B-REC and M-ADV and adopted rule changes for each. 

The length of the summer season is geared to 7-8 weeks. Play typically begins the week following the WIAA State Softball  . Each team plays 2 games (DH) per week. In addition to the season there is a Junior Olympic Tournament for each age division held at year-end in conjunction with the Watertown Area Riverfest Event. The tournament adds additional games to each team's schedule. 

The cancellation of the 2020 tournament marked the first time the contest was not organized since 1996, when the tournament was introduced ...The League Tournament was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 virus.

In 2018 104 teams participated. Participants numbered 1210 with 301 coaches.