On May 2, 2026, at Essex Middle School, the softball Little League had its Opening Day to declare that the softball season had begun.

Opening Day started with a 30-minute parade with all the softball players and coaches. Then, there was a ceremony honoring the winning teams from last season and introducing the 2026 spring teams.

Team pictures were taken throughout the afternoon, and to wrap it up, there were softball and baseball games. The first game was at 1:00, and the last game was at 6:00, but not every team played.

Helen Fenton, who is in her second year of Minor League softball, said, “I like softball because I like the community and I like playing with my friends, and learning new things.” 

Charlie, who is also in her second year of Minors, and her fifth year of softball, said, “I like softball because in Allstars it’s fast-paced. I also liked my teammates in Allstars.”

There are two years of every softball level: two years of Farm Team (the youngest level), two years of Minor League (the more experienced level), and the Major League (the most experienced level of little league.)  The Essex Little League softball team for Allstars won the Division 3 district Championships. 

Coming soon is the “Home Run Derby” on May 31, 2026.

The “Home Run Derby” is when players have the option to go to Foster Park Fields and practice hitting home runs or just hitting the softballs. You can also buy things like eye black and water bottles there.

Wish the players good luck, as the umpires call a “play ball” for the softball season. 

The Essex Little League Softball program is an opportunity to learn how to play.