In South St. Paul, girls fastpitch softball began to take shape in the 1970's. By 1978, the high school fielded their
first team and in 1979, the South St. Paul Packers took third place in the state high school tournament. Prior to
the State High School Leagues sanctioning girls fastpitch softball, there were teams from numerous communities
around Minnesota who competed during the summer. These teams competed in league play with a chance to
advance to a state tournament and earn a berth in a national tournament. These national tournaments were
American Softball Association (ASA) sanctioned and were held in the southern and western United States.
Various organizations have formed since those early days that include AFA, NSA, and USSSA, which created
more opportunities for national berths that are now held across the entire United States.
The South St. Paul Girls Fastpitch Association (SSPGFA) board members meet throughout the year and have
registrations twice per year. Starting in January, we have open gym time at the Packer Activity Center (PAC).
Coaches and board members are present and available to help athletes with pitching, hitting, bunting, and fielding
drills. This presents a nice opportunity for the girls to work on their skills during the winter months so they are
ready for the upcoming season.
The Association also offers clinics that are usually run by local college coaches. In past years, we have had
players and coaches from the University of Minnesota, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and nationally
renowned St. Thomas University head coach, John Tschida.
After registration, the SSPGFA will attempt to field teams at the 16, 14, 12, and 10 & under levels to compete in
the Tri-County League. The player's age level depends on their age as of January 1st of the current year. After
the teams are formed, coaches then can begin to practice with the girls either in the PAC or outside when weather
permits. Teams will then play double-headers twice a week. When league play is completed, each team will
participate in the Tri-County League Tournament which is used as a state qualifier. How each team does at this
tournament will determine which state tournament they would attend. It's important to understand that not every
team qualifies for the state tournament. We require our coaches to hold parent informational meetings before the
season starts to explain schedules, tournaments, philosophy and necessary commitments. This is traveling
softball, so 'away' games could be in White Bear Lake, West. St. Paul, etc. In addition to these league games and
Tri-County tournament, we also like the girls to play an additional 2-3 tournaments including our own South St.
Paul tournament for 12 and 14 & under teams in June.
It is our hope that the experience will be a fun, positive and learning one in the great game of girls fastpitch
softball.