History
The origin of Memorial Ashford Girls Softball Association (MAGSA) goes back to the late 1960s when the Memorial Ashford Youth Association (MAYA) was created. At its origin, the association served boys and girls and had a multi-sport offering that offered football, basketball, baseball, and softball. When Ray K. Daily elementary school was built, the association had to reduce its offerings to baseball and softball.
The baseball side of the operations, which was bigger than the girl’s side, focused on boys baseball at the time. Because of this focus, the girl’s side of the operations (softball) did not receive as much funding, board representation, and facility upkeep as did the boys side.
The baseball side of the operations decided to become part of the Little League Baseball Association. Because of this, the boys league had to follow the guidelines established by the Little League Baseball Association. This brought further division between the boys and girl’s side of the operations because softball is in fact a different game than baseball.
Around 1999, board members of MAYA along with parents who had children in the league decided that it was time to form an independent league that could operate separate from the baseball offering. An independent 501c3 was filed around 2000 and shortly afterward the Memorial Ashford Girls Softball Association was formed. MAGSA is a member of USA Softball (Formerly American Softball Association).
Because this split brought the opportunity to be independent and not be subjected the rules and regulations of the baseball league and little league baseball, it was decided that the teams in this league would be named after the teams that participated in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) and which are characterized in the film “A League of Their Own” which was released in 1992. Currently, the names of the teams in the T-ball (six and under), and softball divisions (8 and Under, 10 and Under, and 13 and Under) are the Belles, Blue Sox, Comets, Lassies, Peaches and the Sallies.The Sugar Land Skeeters, who have provided strong financial support for many years also have a team named after them, the “Skeeters”.
Purpose
MAGSA strives to provide young girls in our community a fun and competitive environment where they can learn to play softball, make friends and participate in an activity that teaches sportsmanship, teamwork and responsibility.
This league, located at 12900 Westmere Drive, in the Energy Corridor, and is one of the few remaining softball leagues that operates inside of a community instead of in a Harris County or City of Houston Park. In addition, MAGSA operates solely on the dedication of parents and volunteers and relies on the financial support of personal and corporate sponsorships to maintain and run the league. It receives no support from the City of Houston, Harris County, nor HISD.
Recently, Hurricane Harvey destroyed all of the equipment that MAGSA uses to ensure a safe and affordable playing experience. Storage sheds were destroyed and the grounds suffered damage that has yet to be repaired. It must be noted that Dick’s Sporting Goods stepped up and provided a generous donation of $10,000 that was used to replace storage sheds and equipment.
The baseball league (MALL) and MAGSA are operated independently, the two leagues continue to share ideas and some field maintenance equipment and fund, manage, and host a carnival together in the spring.
MAGSA hopes to continue to build its organization, and invites girls, of all skill levels, to consider joining the league. Regardless of athletic ability, experience, or skill level, every girl who registers is selected unto a team.