Join the Ball'rz
Everything you need to know before your first practice.
Who we are
The Austin Ball'rz are an LGBTQ+ inclusive slowpitch softball team in Softball Austin, part of the iPride Softball national league. We've been playing since 2013.
We're competitive but welcoming. Some of our players picked up a glove for the first time when they joined. Others played in college. What matters is showing up, being a good teammate, and wanting to get better.
What D and E division mean
iPride uses a ratings system to keep games competitive and fair. Every player gets a skill rating on a 1-28 scale, and teams have a cap on their total team rating. This determines your division.
E Division (recreational)
- Who it's for: New players, players returning after a long break, anyone still building their game
- No experience required. Many E players have never played organized softball.
- Player rating cap: 6 out of 28
- Team rating cap: 60 total across the roster
- What it's like: Learning the game, having fun, building skills. Still structured and competitive, just at a pace that works for newer players.
D Division (competitive recreational)
- Who it's for: Players with solid fundamentals who want more competitive games
- Player rating cap: 10 out of 28
- Team rating cap: 95 total across the roster
- What it's like: Players know the rules, can field and throw consistently, and are working on their game. Competitive but still community-first.
How ratings work: When you join, a coach will assess your skills using iPride's rating guide. The questions cover throwing, fielding, hitting, and game awareness. Ratings can go up or down between seasons as your skills develop.
Not sure where you'd fit? That's fine. Come to a practice and we'll figure it out together.
Spring vs fall season
Spring (February through June)
- This is the competitive season. Teams that qualify can earn a bid to the iPride Softball World Series.
- Practices start in February on weeknights at Krieg Field or Southeast Metro Field in Del Valle (off Hwy 71, just past the airport).
- Games run Sundays through June.
- Attendance at practices and games matters. You're expected to show up consistently.
Fall (September through November)
- More relaxed. No World Series, so the stakes are lower.
- Sunday games only. No weeknight practices.
- Great time to join if you want to try softball without the full spring commitment.
- Still structured with a schedule, standings, and rules. Not a pickup game.
What we expect from players
This is a team sport on a real roster. Here's what that means.
You must be on the roster
You can't just show up and play. Every player must be registered with Softball Austin, have a signed waiver, and be on the team roster before stepping on the field. This is a league rule.
Attendance matters
- Spring: Make every effort to attend practices and most games. We build lineups around who's available.
- Fall: More flexible, but commit to most games.
- Games are Sundays, typically 9 AM to 3 PM. Most weeks you play two games.
Why this matters
We carry 12-18 players. If we can't field enough for a game, we forfeit. Forfeits cost the team extra money and are unfair to everyone who showed up. When you commit to the roster, your teammates are counting on you.
What it costs
- League player fee: $90 per season (Open Division)
- Team costs: Your team may collect for jerseys, practice fields, or socials. Ask your coach.
- Your gear: A glove ($30-80 for a starter) and cleats or turf shoes ($40-70). Bats are shared.
Realistic total for a new player: $150-200 for your first season including gear.
What to bring
| Item | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Glove | Yes | Teammates lend extras to new players. |
| Cleats or turf shoes | Recommended | No metal cleats. Rubber or turf. |
| Team jersey | For games | Team arranges this. |
| Bat | No | Teams share. Must be USA Softball certified if you bring your own. |
| Water + sunscreen | Yes | Austin. Summer. You know. |
How to join
- Fill out the form below. Tell us about yourself and your experience level.
- Come to a practice. We'll invite you out so you can meet the team and throw a ball around.
- Get rated. A coach does a quick skills assessment. Low-pressure, just helps us place you.
- Register. You'll register through Softball Austin and pay the league fee.
- Show up. That's the hardest part and the most important part.
Player Interest Form
This helps our coaches get to know you before your first practice. We use this info for roster planning, emergency contact during games, and to make sure we put you in the right spot. Nothing here is shared outside the team.
You're in.
A coach will reach out within a few days to talk next steps.
Something went wrong. Please try again.
Where we play
Games: Krieg Softball Complex
515 S. Pleasant Valley Road, Austin, TX 78741. Directions.
Map courtesy of Softball Austin
Practices: Southeast Metro Field
4511 Hwy 71 E, Del Valle (off Hwy 71, just past the airport). Directions. Park info and field map.
Questions?
Send us a message or find us on social. There are no dumb questions. Everyone on the team was new once.