Following on the heels of recent geographically-based club softball leagues such as the Texas FastPitch League, the Heart of America Elite Fastpitch League, the Gulf Coast Fastpitch League and the Copper State Summer League comes news that a powerful new league will begin this fall in the Golden State.

Top California fastpitch clubs have banded together to form the California Fastpitch League (CFL), it was announced Monday after months of discussion and work putting the new league together.

CFL commissioner Mike Stith, who heads the Batbuster organization, states, “Softball has a history of working together across organizations to improve the sport. This is an exciting next step that will allow us to enhance further the state of play for all players and teams.”

The CFL is a collaboration of leading organizations in the California softball industry to promote competitive play and enhancement of the sport. Working together, the CFL has created a postseason “collegiate-type” event structure and championship series to add purpose of play, excitement, and equal opportunities for all.

The CFL will be divided into regions from Northern California to San Diego and teams will be ranked by region and by state level. Two nine-week sessions will begin in September with the first championship to be held in January.

CFL league games will take place within existing California tournaments. All California tournament directors are encouraged to have their events included in the CFL points structure. The goal is to include as many quality tournaments as possible throughout the state.

“Our mission is to bring an enhanced level of play and equal opportunity to all teams and players within California,” comments Tony Rico, Deputy Commissioner and President of Firecracker Softball, Inc. “We are excited to kick off this new chapter with the cooperation of the top organizations in the state.”

Athletics Mercado’s Brian Tidd will serve as the Director of Analytics and Team Data, and the program’s head, Dave Mercado, will act as a CFL Advisor and Regional Director.

Information will be coming soon from CFL Championship and Communications Director Sean Brashear on how those interested in registering teams or events can do so through the new league’s website cflfastpitch.com.

Organizations that have committed to participate in this league so far include such high-profile and championship-winning programs as the OC Batbusters, Firecrackers, Athletics – Mercado, Corona Angels, and So Cal Athletics.

The CFL is also joining forces with BLAST and AthletesGoLive to provide the latest technology in online player performance statistics and viewing. The CFL is also exploring opportunities with Wilson, New Balance and other top sponsors.