City extends deal with softball league

DOWNEY - Major League Softball has agreed to a five-year contract extension to continue operating an adult softball league in Downey.The new contract calls for the MLS to offer three 11-week seasons and an 8-week winter season. Games will be played at Rio San Gabriel Park, Apollo Park and Columbus High School six days a week. Approximately 2,200 adults participated in the summer league, and about 46% were Downey residents or city employees, community services director Thad Phillips said. Participants also included church groups and business-sponsored teams. The coed league charges $335 per team for a 10-week season and $305 for eight weeks. The league provides umpires, scorekeepers, awards and more. The MLS also employs an onsite league director and three full-time employees for field maintenance. Downey will receive a 26% royalty fee from team registrations, according to the new contract. The city has collected $99,000 from the league since July 2005, city officials said.

********** Published: November 11, 2010 - Volume 9 - Issue 30