NewswireToday - /newswire/ - West Palm Beach, FL, United States, 09/19/2006 - The Major League Softball Association (MLSA) has arrived on the professional sports scene, taking men’s slow-pitch softball to the next level! All games will be played exclusively in minor league ballparks & college baseball stadiums.

The Major League Softball Association (MLSA) will feature men’s professional softball as it has never been played before. MLSA softball will emphasize speed, defense and athleticism and when it is combined with outstanding offensive performances, our fans will be entertained with constant action and excitement. This combination will add a different dimension to the game of men’s slow-pitch softball not associated with the game today. The MLSA will combine the skill of baseball with the continuous excitement of of slow-pitch softball, creating a sport to be enjoyed by fans of all ages.

The MLSA’s PRIMARY OBJECTIVE - to have men’s slow-pitch softball recognized as a legitimate professional sport and the MLSA as a well respected, first class sports organization.

Our ULTIMATE GOAL is to nurture and develop the game of men’s professional slow-pitch softball into a full-time professional sport within 3 years.

This goal will be accomplished with planned, controlled growth and exposure. The MLSA will take full advantage of the marketing potential for professional sports; more specifically, the game of men’s slow-pitch softball. The strength of the MLSA lies in its ability to bring together all the principals associated with the game of slow-pitch softball. These include team owners, players, product manufacturers and company sponsors who will work collectively toward a common goal - the success of the MLSA and the growth of men’s slow-pitch softball as a true professional sport. The MLSA has assembled a team of successful sports, entertainment and business executives who will insure that this sport does indeed get to the next level.

The MLSA will begin its INAUGURAL SEASON in the Spring of 2008. The MLSA will consist of thirty teams. There will be three Conferences with ten teams each, divided into two five-team Divisions. The Atlantic Conference will have ten teams; five teams in the Northern Division and five teams in the Southern Division. The Central Conference will have ten teams; five teams in the Northern Division and five teams in the Southern Division. The Pacific Conference will have ten teams; five teams in the Northern Division and five teams in the Southern Division.

Team owners will come from current and former NFL Players, Major League Baseball Players, and NBA Players. Targeted candidates also include show business personalities, current and former sports executives, successful businessmen, entrepreneurs and quite possibly current minor league baseball team owners. They already have a venue and now have the opportunity to use their stadiums even more. The Players and Owners in the MLSA will exhibit pride, professionalism, commitment and dedication; the same basic values that are indicative of the work ethic of all those involved in the growth and development of the MLSA. It is these values that serve as the cornerstone upon which the MLSA was founded. In order for the MLSA to be successful, its teams and players must take an active role in their community. It is also of paramount importance for the players to be easily accessible to the fans.

Major Highlights of the Major League Softball Association:
The MLSA (mlsa-usa.com) will feature men’s slow-pitch softball as it has never been played before. The games will be played in minor league ballparks and college baseball stadiums exclusively. MLSA softball emphasizes speed, defense and athleticism. When combined with excellent offensive performances, it will provide our fans with great entertainment and constant action. The MLSA game encompasses the skill and strategy of baseball with the continuous action and excitement of slow-pitch softball, creating a sport to be enjoyed by fans of all ages.

90’ Base Paths

52’ from the Pitching Rubber to Home Plate

4 Ball - 3 Strike Pitch Count (a foul ball after a second strike is an out)

All Games are 9 Innings

Pitching Arc: 3’ Minimum (from point of release) - 10’ Maximum

Base Stealing is permitted once the ball is released from the pitcher’s hand

4 Umpires will work each game; one official scorer will be assigned to each game

The majority of Umpires selected by the MLSA will have a background in college baseball officiating

All games will be governed by a combination of current Professional Baseball Rules as well as additional rules written specifically for the MLSA

The Official Softball of the MLSA is a 12” .47 COR ball with a leather cover. The ball for daytime games will be optic yellow with red and blue stitching. The ball for night games will be traditional white with red and blue stitching.

16 Man Rosters with a 10 Man Reserve Roster. All Players are required to sign a Uniform Player’s Contract (UPC)

Players participate in a Revenue Sharing Program with the MLSA and the Team Owners. This is in addition to their regular salaries

Players are required to reside in the city during the season (or close proximity) where the Franchise is located

Regular Season Schedule is 156 Games; the Post Season will consist of Division and Conference Championships and a World Series

All dates are doubleheaders and will be played on Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Suggested Ticket Prices are $10.00 Remember, all dates are doubleheaders. A great value for 2 games!

Scores and Game Highlights will be available on our website and other sports information services.

Agency / Source: Major League Softball Association, Inc.

Availability: All Regions (Including Int'l)

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