The Malibu Adult Softball League concluded its playoffs on Sunday afternoon at Malibu Bluffs Park with an 11-3 blowout victory for the third-seeded Pitches Be Crazy over the first-seeded Pepperdine Law, thanks to a nine-run second inning from Pitches. This is the third-straight championship for Pitches Be Crazy, and the team’s fifth championship over the past six seasons.
Ben Zisk, one of the captains for Pitches Be Crazy, explained that he created the team with a group of college friends and fellow Malibu residents. One friend in particular invited all of the softball and baseball players she knew to create what they dubbed a “superteam,” which became Pitches. When it came to on-field strategy, Zisk said he gave his teammates a very simple game plan.
“Our strategy is to hit the ball as hard and far as we can, and don’t stop running,” Zisk explained. “The defense isn’t always the best — ours included — so just run. [One player] just scored from second on an infield single.”
Michelle Murphy, a Malibu resident and girlfriend of one of the players on the Shredders, was observing the game and said she has attended many adult softball games this year. She mentioned she loves the local vibe of the league, saying that helps differentiate it from a major league baseball game.
“You know a lot of the people from the local community; these are people that you see at the grocery store, and it’s fun to see adults playing and having fun together,” Murphy said.
According to Malibu Parks and Recreation, the city offers two different seasons for adult softball each year, and Sunday’s action was the conclusion of the fall season, which runs from September through November. The Malibu Adult Softball League will start 2017’s first season in June.
For more information, visit malibucity.org/adultsports.