Mom softball league leads by example

The kids aren't the only ones running around baseball diamonds on hot summer nights now that a group of Snyder mothers take center stage, at least for one night a week.

The Snyder Moms Softball league players have left the traditional job of cheering in the bleachers for their children to take an active part in a softball league designed just for them, and by them.

The majority of the mothers, who range in age from their 30s through their 60s, have or have had children play in the Central Amherst Little League and use the CALL diamonds for their games.

Founded by Sheila Walsh, Jean Comer, Mollie Ciocca, Kathy Thielman in 2006, the recreational league just for mothers is now in its second year and boasts 120 participants who compete on one of six teams.

The number of players has increased by 25 percent since the first year, and demand was so high this year that registration was closed in March in order to accommodate the numbers.

The women founded the league in order to give mothers a chance to participate in an organized sport, with the idea that the fun, exercise and team camaraderie shouldn't just be for the kids.

The mothers show how people of all ages and athletic abilities can participate in sports, giving the children an extra incentive to stay active and motivated.

The children also see how a lifelong love of sports provides a competitive edge on and off the field.

The league is active for six weeks during the summer, and games take place on Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m.

The games are played at the CALL baseball diamonds, located under "The Big Blue Water Tower," 480 Wehrle Drive, Amherst through Aug. 20.