Western Bay of Plenty Softball Association

History

 1960's

 Western Bay of Plenty Softball was originally a Sub-Association of Bay of Plenty Softball Association.   Teams were established in Otumoetai, Ngati Kahu, Mount Maunganui, Greerton, Arataki, Judea,   Rangataua, Waihi and Tauranga Boys College.

 A men's and women's competition and a Major A & B competition was established. Originally, Bay of   Plenty Softball Association did not have a homeground, instead games were played at multiple parks   around Tauranga - Te Wati Park (Rangataua), Pemberton Park, Moore Park (Greerton), Mitchell Park   (Otumoetai) and Blake Park (Mount Maunganui) and for a short period of time, Tauranga Domain.

 Rotorua competed in Bay of Plenty Softball Association competition in late 68', but was not affiliated to   Bay of Plenty Softball Association.

 1970's

 In the early 70s', Bay of Plenty Softball Association encouraged Rotorua to gain its independance. They   later returned and affiliated to Bay of Plenty Softball Association as a Sub-Association.

 Bay of Plenty Softball Association became an incoporated Society in early October 1970. Teams were   established in Kawerau and Katikati and competed in the Bay of Plenty Softball competition. During this   time, Bay of Plenty Softball Association did not have a home ground and games were played at TGA   Domain.

 In late 1977, Judea Sports Club offered up their sports facilities and Judea Sports Ground became the   Bay of Plenty Softball homeground. In January 1970, Bay of Plenty Softball Association held an   International Men's Tournament, playing against the USA Arizona All Stars.

 1980/90's

 During the 80's, the introduction of the Super League proved to be a big hit in the Bay of Plenty &   Waikato Regions. Judea Sports Grounds were Bay of Plenty Softball's homeground until late 1982, when   the competition was forced to relocate due to an increase in teams, that the Judea grounds could not   cater for. Softball then moved to Memorial Park & Jordan Park.

 In late 1987, a new Summer sport (Touch Rugby) was introduced throughout New Zealand and had a   major influence on Softball. Team numbers drastically diminished in the Bay of Plenty Softball   competition and all Sub-Associations affiliated to Bay Of Plenty Softball Association disbanded.

 In 1990, Bay of Plenty Softball Association Inc. changed it's name to Western Bay of Plenty Softball   Association. Seniors were tasked with re-building their competition, but the junior competition remained   strong. Games were played at two different Parks - Juniors at Grenada Park and Seniors at Greerton   Marist Sports Club.

 2000's

 In early 2000, Senior Softball team numbers began to increase. creating two Divisions. Games were   played across two parks - Grenada Park (Mount Maunganui) or Greerton Marist Sports Club. Finally, in   early 2005, Western Bay of Plenty had a "Softball Park" of its own - Carlton reserve, Otumoetai,   consisting of two skin diamonds and four grass diamonds.

 Juniors Softball numbers dramatically decreased across all age groups in late 2007. Western Bay Of   Plenty became an Incoporated Society in Feburary 2008.

 2010's

 Western Bay Of Plenty Softball Association continued to play at Carlton Reserve, the home of Softball in   the Bay of Plenty. There was a slight decrease in junior grade numbers, however Senior grade   numbers remained consistent. From 2015, Teeball and Primary School softball teams in Tauranga and Te   Puke became increasingly popular and team numbers slowly rose.

 Unfortunately, there were no College teams entered and only one registered Intermediate School Team   in season 2016/2017. 

 2017

 A fresh start with a new experienced President has seen a revitalisation of the Association and of Softball   in the Western Bay. Backed by an enthusiastic and motivated Committee, Western Bay of Plenty Softball   has renovated the park and the diamonds, restarted the Senior Men's competition, remodelled the   School grades to U8, U11, U13, U15, U17, U19 to align with Softball NZ and sent several Representative   teams away to National Tournaments.

 Plans are being developed to be more active in local schools in 2021, provide more training opportunities   for players, coaches and officials, and continue to promote the game of Softball to all Western Bay   residents in hopes of reigniting the interest and growing the sport of Softball at all levels.