Girls Show Off True Colors for Softball's Opening Day

They're pitchers and catchers,  outfielders and shortstops—but on Sunday, May 22, the 320 girls of Oak Forest Girls Softball were aliens, rockstars, devils and dragons.

The girls, their parents and coaches put their heads together to pitch the perfect get-ups for their 23 teams and their floats for the Opening Day parade.

The league's 23 teams are divided by age, with girls ranging from 5 years old, to 18 years old. Girls begin on petite teams, then transition into minor, then junior, then major and senior.

"We consider ourselves a farm league for the high school," said league vice president Ray Ferralez. "Everything we focus on is training. We'll stop, show a girl how to hold the bat, then how to swing.

"We really take the time to teach the girls the game."

And for girls who work hard, the parade lets them play hard. The Jr. Diamonds team, for instance, even spritzed their strands with neon green to match the green in their uniforms.

Ferralez said the experience has brought together families and volunteers, with parents stepping up to assist with coaching. Each girl is also allowed to try out for the position she would prefer.

"You can play whatever you want," Ferralez said. "We'll at least give you a shot at it."

The parade Sunday was led by a police car and an ambulance, as the teams' floats wound the neighborhood around Don Burns park.

For more information on the league, email oakforestsoftball@yahoo.com708-687-7270, ext. 147.

Check out our video of the parade!