STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 What began as a conversation among a handful of women on coed softball teams has grown into one of Staten Island\u2019s largest all-women\u2019s recreational softball organizations.<\/p>\n
Players, their families and fans gathered Saturday at Staten Island University Hospital Northwell Health Community Park in St. George for \u201cSoftball at the FerryHawks,\u201d an evening celebrating women\u2019s softball with exhibition games, family activities and an open invitation for newcomers to experience the sport.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Founder Carrie Gerecitano-DiFilippo said the idea for the league was born while playing in Funleagues coed softball.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe all were kind of sitting together one day and said, \u2018You know, it would be really cool if we could start a women\u2019s league,\u2019\u201d she recalled.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
For Gerecitano-DiFilippo, the league has become about far more than softball.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve made so many great friends, connections and acquaintances,\u201d she said. \u201cMy daughter calls all of the girls in the league \u2018Aunt\u2019 something.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said this year\u2019s 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 \u2014 and even those who have never played organized softball \u2014 to join the exhibition games.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t want to keep this opportunity for myself,\u201d Gerecitano-DiFilippo said. \u201cI want to make sure all the enjoyment that we have, we share that joy with anyone on the island.\u201d<\/p>\n
The event reflected the league\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Among those participating was Sunnyside resident Antoinette Gallo, who has played in the league for five years.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s great,\u201d Gallo said. \u201cYou gain a lot of friendships with these girls that become a family to you. It\u2019s women\u2019s sports. It\u2019s being recognized in women\u2019s sports, which on the island is very hard.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gallo said the welcoming atmosphere keeps players coming back each season.<\/p>\n
\u201cCarrie does an amazing job,\u201d she said. \u201cBetween the fundraising, us coming together as a team, it\u2019s great.\u201d<\/p>\n
Many players were cheered on by family members from the stands, including young Taylor Douglas, who came to support her aunt.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m going to cheer for her as much as I can,\u201d 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 \u201clikes to be strong.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Gerecitano-DiFilippo, inspiring young girls to see opportunities in softball is among the league\u2019s greatest accomplishments.<\/p>\n
She noted that other women\u2019s softball leagues have since formed on Staten Island, something she welcomes rather than views as competition.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s special that women\u2019s sports are getting out there,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s really, really nice to have the friendship and the camaraderie with what we do.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n