By Sue Teggart
C & G Sports Writer

Softball players from Eastpointe and Roseville finally have a league to call their own.

After spending several summers traveling elsewhere to play the sport they love, local parents — with a little help from Eastpointe Youth Baseball League Commissioner Malcolm McNeill — and Eastpointe East Detroit assistant varsity softball coach Liz Corcoran teamed up to help local softball players get back into the swing of things during the summer months.

The result of this new partnership was an 18-and-under recreational fastpitch summer softball team, which plays in the Harper Woods Parks and Recreation league.

The team, which is coached by Corcoran, unites 17 players from Eastpointe East Detroit’s and Roseville High’s teams. Corcoran said she hopes bringing players from the two teams together will help build some camaraderie between the rivals.

“I think it’s important that Roseville and East Detroit grow closer,” Corcoran said.

The team’s inaugural season has been a big hit. The girls were 15-1 at press time with two makeup games left to play and have had success against some of Macomb County’s toughest teams, including squads from Fraser, Grosse Pointe, Harper Woods, St. Clair Shores and Center Line.

Corcoran said what’s helped make the team’s first season so successful was having the right people step up at the right time.

“I didn’t have a team the past two years because I couldn’t get the commitment (from the players),” Corcoran said. “I waited until I had a group of athletes that wanted to play. The girls on the team are very willing and dedicated athletes and made time to do it this summer.”       

Corcoran said the players are enthusiastic about softball and have great potential for seasons to come.

“They’re young and willing to learn,” Corcoran said. “They want to do better. The progress they made from the beginning of the season to the end has been amazing.

You can reach Sports Writer Sue Teggart at steggart@candgnews.com or at (586) 279-1107.