What do the Donkey Punchers, the Hawkoholics and the Limpin’ Ladies have in common? They are among the more creative team names in the Lawrence Parks and Recreation summer softball league.

According to Bob Stanclift, adult sports supervisor, more than 4,000 people participate in the summer softball leagues every week, making the sport the most popular organized summer activity in Lawrence.

Summer softball action

More than 260 teams, spread out over 31 different divisions and six days, make for a lot of softballs being banged around. Why is the sport so popular?

“Because we love it,” claims Dana Mollohan, of the Pepsi Challengers.

Some play for the exercise and physical activity. Another reason is for the “socializing” after the games. Others participate to meet other Lawrencians. The group of players has evolved into a tight community when they are not arguing balls and strikes.

The games take place on different fields around Lawrence: Lyons Field in North Lawrence, the many fields of the Clinton Lake Sports Complex and historic Hobbs Park at 11th and Delaware streets. Even all these are not enough to keep up with the demand for space, especially when catching up on games that had been rained out.

Registration costs are $305 for a 10-game schedule, or $430 for a 14-game slate. According to Stanclift, about half of all teams have at least some corporate sponsorship, which might or might not include naming rights. The difference is made up by the players on each team.

Many other cities’ softball leagues have seen a decline during the past few years. Stanclift credits this to aging Baby Boomers getting too old to play. Lawrence, however, benefits from a steady influx of younger people and families, keeping the league full of fresh players.

Games take place every hour, from 1 p.m. through 9 p.m. on Sunday, and 6:15 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Monday through Friday. Games can go seven innings, but usually are stopped for time at the end of the hour. A limit of 10 batters per inning helps move the games along, and stopping for a 10-run rule at the end of the third or fifth innings.

This is how thousands of Lawrence residents keep busy, fit and in touch, from the Dangling Modifiers, to the cryptically named My Bum is on the Swedish 9.