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TEAM SPOTLIGHT: Jager bombers
TEAM SPOTLIGHT: Jager bombers
In the spring of 2024, a new softball team stepped onto the field - the Jager Bombers. Their captain, Josh, was a player I recognized from the fall of 2023. But this time he was back with his own team.
From their very first game, the Jager Bombers stood out to me. Yes, their team was good - but it was more than that. They had great energy, supported one another, and were just trying to have fun. In their very first season as a team, they walked away as the Wednesday night spring champions.
Over the last year, I've had the pleasure of getting to know many of their players on a more personal level and so I took the opportunity to ask them about their team history and about themselves.
The First Captain - Josh:
How did you find Big League?
I always played sports growing up and through college, and a few years after graduating, I wanted to stay active and have more fun on the field. My wife recommended BLS, having played herself as a free agent in college. I played baseball for many years so I decided to join softball as a free agent in Fall 2023.
I didn't realize Julianna was here before you! I remembered you from that team in the fall, but what lead you to put your own team together?
A few friends and I were initially going to join as free agents in Spring 2024. When we talked about it, more friends and friends of friends were interested too, so we decided to form a team. Since then, we’ve been able to keep a lot of the same people on the team and it’s been amazing!
You mentioned you've played baseball for many years, so of course I have to ask...have you played in other softball leagues? If so, how would you compare BLS to other leagues you've played in?
I played in a league in Central Park and am happy to report BLS softball is not only more fun, but also has better players, in terms of average skill level.
I love to hear that. Since joining I've also seen you dip your toes in some other sports. Which have you tried and which is your favorite?
I’ve done softball, kickball, and volleyball so far and love softball most, but mostly because I’m a lifelong baseball player. Kickball was a lot of fun and was great to learn a new sport in volleyball.
The Connection (and Current Captain) - Julianna:
I can't believe after all this time, I never realized you were in Big League first! What brought you into the league?
I first started playing on a BLS team back in 2018, when I joined as a volleyball free agent. I loved that it was a casual way to stay active and meet other people in Westchester. Last year, my husband Josh and I decided re-joining BLS together would be a fun after work activity, but also a great way to be active and meet other people around our age. This is where the Jager Bombers were born, we joined together with some of our friends and friends of friends to create in our opinion the best softball team (and yes, maybe we are a little biased).
I know you've played a few other BLS sports. What were they and which is your favorite?
I’ve played volleyball, kickball, and softball but definitely love softball the most!
I'm weirdly happy but surprised to hear you say that! I know you frequently come to games, but don't often play - yet you keep signing up! Why?
Most people know this about me already, but when we started the Jager Bombers last year I had never played softball a day in my life, nor did I know any of the rules of the game. I still don’t really know ALL the rules of the game, but I love our team, the other teams we play with, and just the overall good vibes that come each week at the softball games. I love the strategy of the game and helping to coordinate all the organizational details of the team but I always prefer to be the designated benchwarmer than in the field - if you ever do see me in the field, odds are I will duck and cover if the ball comes near me and that is with any sport HA.
The Catcher - Alexis:
Of course I have to start with the obvious - how did you find Big League?
I found out about BLS through my captains Josh and Julianna. They got our friend group together to start our team.
I know you've also tried other BLS leagues, but which is your favorite?
Most definitely softball, it’s one of my favorite sports and I’ve played since I was a kid and I’m so happy I was able to pick it up again thanks to BLS!
Softball has always been a favorite of mine too. Other than just the love of the game, what brings you back each season?
Playing with my closest friends on my team and the other teams around us keeps bringing me back each season. The JB have become a second family to me and we’ve all made such good friends through BLS on and off our team.
As not just the manager, but a player in the league - and therefore a frequent opponent of the Jager Bombers - I have gotten to see everything they shared first hand. Their team truly does operate like one large family. And not only that, you would never know whether they were winning or losing based on their attitudes - because they are always playing music, cheering each other on, and having fun.
Oh, and I almost forgot to mention - when I was chatting with Julianna and Josh, they both mentioned they are looking forward to trying a new sport later this year.... Jager Bombers, we can't wait to see you at dodgeball!
Video from Ariana MarieIn the spring of 2024, the Jager Bombers celebrated an exciting walk-off win!
This past spring, the Jager Bombers were able to take down a back-to-back championship team and earn their second trophy.
Free Agents Welcome
Free Agents Welcome
How Solo Players are Changing the Game
How Solo Players are Changing the Game
In a lot of adult sports leagues, joining means rounding up a full team of friends first - but not here. One of the things that sets Big League Sports apart is just how friendly it is to free agents. You don’t need to know a single person to get started. Just sign up on your own, and the league will either find you a spot on an existing team or build a brand new squad made up entirely of free agents.
And it works. Really well.
In this spring season alone, more than 200 free agents registered - some for the first time, others returning from past seasons. Free agent teams show up ready to compete, and sometimes, they go all the way. In fact, this past season, Kicks Don't Lie - a free agent team in the women’s kickball division - pulled off an incredible playoff run, knocking out the undefeated top seed and then clinching the championship by beating the second-place team.
When I first joined Big League Sports, I signed up as a free agent. Another good friend of mine, Kate had a similar experience. We both frequently talk about how Big League stood out to us because of this unique ability to sign up without having to pitch yourself to a captain, tryout for a team, or just be lucky enough to know someone who has a team with an open spot. And through talking about it, we have learned that we aren't alone - many other players in Big League have a similar story!
Stories like that are what make this league special. You never know when one free agent will turn into a full crew that becomes a league staple. It's a reminder that you’re not just joining a team - you’re joining a community.
So if you’ve ever wanted to play but didn’t have a group to sign up with, this league has your back. All you have to do is take that first step.
New Boots Goofin
New Boots Goofin
NBG started as a free agent softball team and expanded over to kickball! They continue to play in both leagues and take on new free agents!
Kicks Dont Lie
Kicks Dont Lie
KDL was the women's free agent team that took home the trophy in the spring season! They worked hard all season and never gave up!
Recess Renegades
Recess Renegades
Three Recess Renegades players and one free agent from Run Scotchy Run were raffle winners this week!
Get Ready to Scramble! Kickball Clash is Rescheduled
Get Ready to Scramble! Kickball Clash is Rescheduled
After what feels like an endless string of rain delays, the highly anticipated Kickball Clash finally has a new date! Get ready for Clash of the Cities: The Summer Scramble Kickball Edition on August 2nd at 10:30 AM.
This is your chance to represent your city – either Westchester or Stamford – in an epic showdown. Players will be randomly assigned to the team representing their chosen city. The cost to play is $30 per player.
And here's a bonus for our readers: Use discount code BLSIDELINES for $5 off your registration! But hurry, this offer is only valid for the first 10 people to use it.
Click this link to register NOW!
Westchester has a strong history in the Kickball Clash, having secured victories in both September 2019 and June 2021. The question on everyone's mind is: Can Stamford finally beat the streak and claim victory this summer?
Don't miss out on the fun, the rivalry, and the chance to represent your city!
White Plains 2
White Plains 2
September 2019 Clash of the Cities Champions
White Plains 1
White Plains 1
June 2021 Clash of the Cities Champions
BACK-TO-BACK
BACK-TO-BACK
After a season of rainouts, the Spring session is finally (well, almost) complete. Check out these teams that kept their streak alive! Welcome back kickball!
*All champions are two time champions unless otherwise noted.
Upcoming SUMMER Leagues
Upcoming SUMMER Leagues
Click Here to register for your summer leagues!
Look out for your Fall Leagues - opening this weekend!
Fun Fact Corner
Fun Fact Corner
42.93% of all current Big League Superstars are WOMEN!
Where in the world is
Where in the world is
Big League Sports?
Big League Sports?
Our fearless leader showed off his BLS pride with a black shirt at the Hoover Dam on the border of Arizona and Nevada!
Email us a photo of you wearing or holding a Big League shirt to be featured in next month's newsletter! BLSSidelines@gmail.com
Meet the Author
Ariana Tringali has been a Big League Superstar since 2018. She has played in many different leagues: coed kickball, women's kickball, softball, volleyball, dodgeball, pickleball, and even soccer!
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