STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — What began as a conversation among a handful of women on coed softball teams has grown into one of Staten Island’s largest all-women’s recreational softball organizations.

Players, their families and fans gathered Saturday at Staten Island University Hospital Northwell Health Community Park in St. George for “Softball at the FerryHawks,” an evening celebrating women’s softball with exhibition games, family activities and an open invitation for newcomers to experience the sport.

Hosted by A League of Our Own, the free event featured children participating in fun activities including getting tattoos, baserunning and batting before two exhibition games, a 50/50 raffle and concessions, all while showcasing a league that has steadily expanded since its creation more than a decade ago.

Softball fans gather for ‘Softball at the FerryHawks,’ a fun night hosted by A League of Our Own, at Staten Island University Hospital Northwell Health Community Park in St. George on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.

The festivities opened with Ava Walsh singing the national anthem before the exhibition games. Gerry Festa, Greg Arsenuk and Tom Piccirilli served as the umpires.

Founder Carrie Gerecitano-DiFilippo said the idea for the league was born while playing in Funleagues coed softball.

“We all were kind of sitting together one day and said, ‘You know, it would be really cool if we could start a women’s league,’” she recalled.

With support from her family, who help manage Funleagues, the concept quickly became reality. Although the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily slowed its momentum, the league resumed as soon as restrictions eased and has continued to grow.

Today, the spring league includes about 120 players on four teams, ranging in age from 18 into their 60s. Games are played primarily at New Springville Little League, with additional contests held at fields across Staten Island.

For Gerecitano-DiFilippo, the league has become about far more than softball.

“I’ve made so many great friends, connections and acquaintances,” she said. “My daughter calls all of the girls in the league ‘Aunt’ something.”

She said this year’s FerryHawks event marked the fourth consecutive partnership with the professional baseball club. Organizers also expanded participation beyond league members, inviting women from other softball leagues — and even those who have never played organized softball — to join the exhibition games.

“I don’t want to keep this opportunity for myself,” Gerecitano-DiFilippo said. “I want to make sure all the enjoyment that we have, we share that joy with anyone on the island.”

The event reflected the league’s emphasis on community as much as competition. Before the games, children ran the bases, tossed softballs with players and watched mothers, aunts and friends prepare to take the field.

Among those participating was Sunnyside resident Antoinette Gallo, who has played in the league for five years.

“It’s great,” Gallo said. “You gain a lot of friendships with these girls that become a family to you. It’s women’s sports. It’s being recognized in women’s sports, which on the island is very hard.”

Gallo said the welcoming atmosphere keeps players coming back each season.

“Carrie does an amazing job,” she said. “Between the fundraising, us coming together as a team, it’s great.”

Many players were cheered on by family members from the stands, including young Taylor Douglas, who came to support her aunt.

“I’m going to cheer for her as much as I can,” said Taylor, who will enter sixth grade this fall. Although she has not yet played organized softball, she said she hopes to become a pitcher one day because she enjoys sports and “likes to be strong.”

For Gerecitano-DiFilippo, inspiring young girls to see opportunities in softball is among the league’s greatest accomplishments.

She noted that other women’s softball leagues have since formed on Staten Island, something she welcomes rather than views as competition.

“It’s special that women’s sports are getting out there,” she said. “It’s really, really nice to have the friendship and the camaraderie with what we do.”

Organizers say they expect the league to continue growing as more women discover the opportunity to play recreational softball in an environment focused on friendship, inclusion and fun.

Women interested in joining future seasons, regardless of experience level, can contact the league at aleagueofourownsi@gmail.com.