The Deptford Girls Softball League (DGSL) will host a celebration of its 50th anniversary on Friday, Oct. 27, at Stauffer Fields.
The event will include a speech from Edna Stauffer, who co-founded the league with her late husband, Dave.
“This historic anniversary is a true attestation to so many dedicated volunteers with the same goals as Dave and Edna,” said league Vice President Kim Mantzell. “Coaches at DGSL have always been determined to help the girls in this organization learn good sportsmanship, teamwork, commitment and the love of the game.”
Two awards from the league are named after the founding couple: the Stauffer goes to a player who shows good sportsmanship, loyalty and dedication and makes outstanding contributions to the league. The Vicki Stauffer Memorial Award is named after the founders’ late daughter and is given to a player who shows a big heart and displays enthusiasm, good sportsmanship, and a willingness to do whatever is asked of her by coaches.
“I recently had an old friend, who has not played in decades, tell me that the Stauffer Award was the only award she ever wanted,” Mantzell noted. “I think that says it all.”
When asked about the league’s duration, she cited “a lot of love and dedication” from donors and volunteers who have helped sustain it.
The anniversary celebration will be held outside on the right side of the field complex, where the softball fields are located. In the event of rain, it will be moved inside the Deptford Recreation Center, which is also part of the complex.
The event will also include ballpark snacks; awards for the 2023 league season; the unveiling of a new project; speakers; and a dedication of Field 4 to first responders, particularly late Deptford police officer Robert “Bobby” Shisler.
“Phew, my experience has definitely been a whirlwind,” Mantzell enthused. “It’s so much fun when you have a team of girls that truly challenge and inspire one another to be their very best.
“This is rec ball: Their very best doesn’t have to mean home-run hitting, their very best just has to be a little better than yesterday,” she added. “The memories made here in the dirt have created hundreds of lifelong friendships.
“No matter what they choose, I can guarantee that DGSL has made an impact and absolutely holds a piece of their hearts.”
