COUNTYWIDE : Girls Compete in Softball Tourney

Eleven-year-old Dot Bente has dreams of being the first woman to play major league baseball. Even if she never realizes that goal, Dot is determined to have a lot of fun trying.

Dot is one of about 190 players in the Thousand Oaks Bobby Sox, a softball league for girls 6 through 18. This week, Dot and other girls from the league who were selected to its 1991 All-Star teams are participating in a district tournament in Fillmore.

Bobby Sox All-Star teams from Simi Valley, Newbury Park, El Rio, Thousand Oaks, Santa Paula, Fillmore and Santa Monica will compete within divisions according to age. Winners of the district competition will play in the National Tournament scheduled in Cerritos in August.

But according to league treasurer Tom Becker, Bobby Sox players are winners before ever stepping up to bat.

“We stress teaching girls the basics of softball--having fun and team play,” Becker said.

The girls don’t have to worry about being bench-warmers.

“All the kids play in every game, so everybody contributes to the success of the game,” Becker said.

There are other differences between the Bobby Sox and other softball leagues. Team managers are all women; in fact, Becker said women are encouraged to be active as managers, chaperones or board members.

Bobby Sox players can start out as 6-year-olds in the Mini League, then progress to the Minor Division for girls 9 to 11. The Major Division consists of 12- to 15-year-olds; then, some girls progress to the league’s AAA Prep Division. Becker said girls on the AAA teams are usually on school teams as well.

Becker said the girls have an opportunity to experience team camaraderie and the pride that comes from trying their best.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Dot agreed. “You get to make lots of friends, and it gives you a chance to shine sometimes when you’re playing.”

A pitcher and first baseman during the league’s regular season, Dot will alternate between pitching and playing outfield during the tournament. She believes that a week of 4 1/2-hour practices every day, after the season’s usual 1 1/2-hour daily practices, has prepared the team for the tournament.

The tournament will continue through Wednesday at Sheills Park at Old Telegraph Road and C Street in Fillmore. Winners of the district tournament will play Bobby Sox teams from throughout the Western United States.