About the League
Mission and Values
The Mary Vazquez Women’s Softball League is an adult recreational softball league. The league is dedicated to creating a fun, inclusive, and safe space for women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and anyone who finds meaning and belonging in a women’s league. We strive to foster a supportive environment where players of all skill levels can come together to play, learn, and enjoy softball.
Through the spirit of teamwork, we aim to build, nurture, and maintain a healthy and vibrant community where every participant feels valued, respected, and empowered. Together, we celebrate diversity, promote connection, and create lasting bonds on and off the field.
HIstory
Bobbie Harro pitching for Women Rising, 1983.
In the early 1970s, there was a softball team called the Lucy B. Stoners. They wanted to provide lesbians and their friends with a feminist sports center for social activity in the Pioneer Valley. Organizing out of the South West Women's Center, Eileen Stewart, Jean Grossholtz, Susan Tracy, and Maryann Jennings formed The Women’s League in 1976.
Mary Vazquez in 1989
In 1977, they fielded six teams: Common Womon, Hot Flashes, Women Rising, No Nukes of the North, a team from College Church, and a team from Hatfield. The goal was not so much about winning or losing, but how to play the game.
From the beginning, Mary Vazquez was an integral part of the Northampton Womyn’s Softball League. Under her leadership, the league grew from its original six teams to a record sixteen active teams. In 1991, the league was officially renamed the Mary Vazquez Women’s Softball League to honor Mary’s cherished, lasting impact on the community at large.
After nearly 50 years in operation, the league remains fully independent and self-governed. Eight teams play 64 games per season, continuing the legacy of promoting community and camaraderie through the sport of softball.
Archival Information
Valley Women's History Collaborative (VWHC)
The Valley Women's History Collaborative has collected oral histories of many women, including audio recorded interviews of League players, and has created a collection of photos, books, magazines, posters, meeting minutes, schedules, and other materials (including t-shirts and a softball glove) that is now housed at the UMASS DuBois Library Special Collections Archives.
Lacey Johnston, player and filmmaker, 1982.
In League With Us: The Mary Vazquez Women's Softball League (2007)
At a time when there were very few opportunities for women to play organized team sports, this league was started by a group of passionately political lesbian feminists in Northampton, Massachusetts in 1976. This independently-produced film by filmmaker Lacey Johnston, documents the league's history and evolution over time. From the beginning, the League's core philosophy has been one of inclusion - any woman regardless of ability was, and is, encouraged to play. This League has provided a sanctuary, a social hub, a place for women to share their athleticism.