Magic Information

Magic_website

What is "Magic"?

Magic is a competitive fastpitch tournament team program offered by LGCS Girls Softball for summer and fall season play.  All participants on Magic teams are selected from kids that play in our rec program.  Magic teams play competitive softball in weekend tournaments throughout the summer.  Tournaments start in late May upon the conclusion of our rec season.  Players develop new skills and take their skills and talent to a new level.  Great friendships, enduring memories, and plenty of great softball await our Magic teams each season.

When Are the Magic Seasons?

Magic summer player evaluation events are scheduled for the last weekend in April.  The first tournament is typically played over Memorial Day weekend. Most teams will play in 6 to 8 tournaments total.  Magic teams are reformed in late August for fall season play with the highlight being our organization's fall tournament each October.  Fall teams play in fewer tournaments and typically only practice 1-2 times each week with the season ending in early November.

Magic Travel Seasons --> Summer (May-Aug) and Fall (Aug-Nov)

What Are the Tournaments Like?

Most tournaments are in the immediate Bay Area, although teams often go to one or two "away" tournaments in places such as Napa, San Luis Obispo, or Lake Tahoe — and those away tournaments are historically the most memorable.  Teams may also qualify for regional or national tournaments in locations throughout the western United States.  Teams usually play three pool games on Saturday and then Sunday is single elimination day — keep winning, and you could play three games on Sunday into the afternoon. Some tournaments might require a game on Friday evening.

What Are the Rules?

The tournaments use USA Softball fastpitch rules. For the most part, the 12U players are already using these rules during LGCS rec league games.  But there are important exceptions —USA Softball doesn't use "continuous batting," there are no minimum playing-time rules, and there are no per-inning run limits. For the 10U division, there is no "coach pitching" — 4 balls is a walk.

Is There an 8U Magic Program?

Yes there is an 8U program but for summer season only!  There are fewer tournaments with teams usually playing 4-5 events, and the intensity level isn't quite the same as that of the older age groups, but it is a great introduction to competitive softball.

What Are the Costs?

Typically costs are about $450 per player at most levels for the summer season, less for 8U players, although teams that play in a larger number of tournaments will have higher fees. For 8U Magic the cost is typically in the $350 range based on fewer tournaments.  This fee includes the uniforms, the tournament fees, some professional instruction and insurance. Travel expenses and personal equipment are extra (such as personalized Magic gear including equipment bags, sweatshirts, jackets, etc.).

How Big of a Commitment Is Magic?

Most summer teams have two mid-week practices and a weekend practice or tournament. It is expected that the Magic is the girl's highest priority extra-curricular activity during the summer season. Girls who miss practices may get less playing time at the tournaments. However, summer is summer, and it is not uncommon for girls to miss a week or so due to previously scheduled plans — just let the manager know your availability at the tryouts.

How Are the Magic Teams Selected?

Players will be selected through tryouts typically at the beginning of May for summer play or in late August for fall play.  Information on schedules for the Magic evaluations will be posted on the league website.  Any girl playing LGCS rec ball is eligible for summer and/or fall Magic teams playing "B or C" designation. And fall Magic is open to any player whether part of our rec program or not. Unlike recreation league play, friends, schools, etc. are not factors in being chosen for a team.  Players selected for a specific team are expected to play on that team.