Disney Softball Teams Show True Character
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(April 14, 2009) As Major League Baseball swings into the start of its season, legions of Walt Disney World softball players are taking to local ball fields to unwind and unleash their home run hitting dreams. With approximately 1,600 Cast Members participating in 80 organized co-ed and men’s softball teams, the Amateur Softball League of America (ASA) recognizes Walt Disney World Resort as having one of the nation’s largest single-site industrial softball leagues.
“It’s fun, competitive and you get to know a lot of people you don’t normally work with… as well as getting to know the people you do work with better,” says Lynn Jensen, a senior Human Resources Information System analyst and captain of Walt Disney Imagineering’s softball team. “You really get to know someone’s true character on a field versus when they are sitting behind a desk.”
Games are played week nights at several fields across Walt Disney World Resort property. Due to the softball league’s popularity, the season is split in two and runs almost year around. Spring season is February through June. Fall season is August through November. Double elimination tournaments, known as the Mickey (pro division) and the Donald (recreational division), are held at the end of each season. Winners get trophies and, of course, notoriety as league champions.
Walt Disney World Resort has a long-standing history of Cast softball leagues. Practice fields were built at the same time the Magic Kingdom was under construction in 1971. What began as a pastime activity for a select few has steadily grown over the years and continues to increase in membership.
Susan Mickelson, a Cast Activities representative, understands the sport’s timeless allure. “The softball leagues offer an opportunity for great camaraderie and give Cast a chance to improve their overall physical well-being,” says Mickelson.
Organized softball leagues are one of many great sports and recreational activities available to Walt Disney World Cast Members. Other popular sports programs with tournament play are volleyball, basketball, golf and soccer.
-- Posted April 20, 2009