Greenville Girls Softball Association, Inc.

The 41st Annual GGSA Opening Day is in the books and the day and the start of a new season has been deemed a huge success.  Last year over 550 young ladies took part in GGSA leagues and nearly 800 games were played at the Stebbins Field facility located on State Route 49 in Greenville and 2013 looks to be another big year for the local non-profit

This year GGSA has a total of 35 teams taking part in its summer program which consists of girls ages 4-19 years of age.  The organization offers slow pitch softball to all Darke County girls and fast pitch to all Greenville Girls and also girls who are not currently offered to play in the Cross County Fast Pitch League.  This year there are 28 slow pitch teams and 7 fast pitch teams.  

GGSA also offers an instructional Fall Fast Pitch League during the month of September for girls ages 10 and under, 12U, and 14U.  Last year over 200 girls from around the region took part in the growing fall league.

Opening Day was full of festivities, a full slate of softball games, and the annual GGSA Opening Day Ceremony.  

The organization would like to thank all that helped make for a great day at Stebbins Field including, Pastor Gary Cloyd of Castine Church of the Brethren who opened the day with prayer, American Legion Post 140 who presented the colors as local talent Joelle York sang The Star Spangled Banner. 

A special thank you goes out to Kris Garrison, Sam Stebbins, Lowe's Home Improvement, Keith "Slick" Schlecty, Hupman Lawn Care and Snow Removal, and The Hartnagle Family.  All have made an impact by donating time and/or monetary donations toward the new season. 

During the Opening Ceremony, GGSA league officials recognized the opening of the New Lady Wave Stadium at Stebbins Field.  Many local area business' and individuals have pulled together, led by Varsity Lady Wave Softball coach Jarrod Newland, to make a dream become reality. 

The New Lady Wave Stadium is a great addition to Stebbins Field and The Greenville Girls Softball Association, the entire softball community, the City of Greenville, and Darke County. 

The Stebbins Field complex with four great fields, concession stand and restroom facilities, and now with the addition of Lady Wave Stadium, Stebbins Field has become one of the premier non-profit softball-only complexes in the State of Ohio.  It is something everyone can and should take pride in.  

2013 GGSA Top Sellers & Prize Winners

Fundraiser Top Seller
1st Place - Jaelyn Christman
2nd Place - Grace Shaffer
3rd Place - Emma Erisman

Peeler Top Seller
Maycee Ester

Chicken Dinner TeamContest
"Yes Deere"/Coach Ashley Hartsock

Chicken Dinner Top Sellers
1st Place - Cheyanne Hartsock
2nd Place - Cheyenne Harmon

Great Wolf Lodge Drawing Winner
Clair Monnin

Opening Day Ceremonies ended as it does every year with the ceremonial "first pitch".  This year Varsity Lady Wave head coach Jarrod Newland, along with GGSA coach and supporter Terry Hartnagle, had the honor of throwing out the first pitch to GGSA current players and top sellers.  

A full slate of games were played beginning at 9:00 AM with 3rd/4th and 5th/6th grade fast pitch teams hosting games against Troy, Arcanum, and Franklin Monroe.   

A highly anticipated event took place in the New Lady Wave Stadium on Saturday.  For the first time ever, the 7th & 8th Grade Greenville Jr High Club Softball teams squared off in the first ever "LWSB Futures Game".  A total of 37 girls makeup the two teams who compete in the Greater Western Ohio Conference.  The majority of the young ladies who make up the two teams are current or former GGSA players.  Coming into Saturday's game, the two teams had a combined record of 25-3.  Both teams will compete in the GWOC Jr High Softball Tournament - Gold Division on May 11th & 12th. 

The entire day saw every league take to the Stebbins Field grounds, including T-Ball, Munchkin, Minor, and Junior Leagues.  The Senior League did not take part in Opening Day festivities with the GHS Prom scheduled the same day but the league is scheduled to play again this year.

For more information about The Greenville Girls Softball Association please go to www.ggsaonline.com  or follow them on Facebook.  GGSA is a 501 (3)(C) non-profit organization.  For donation and sponsorship information please contact any GGSA Trustee or Officer.