The annual Meridian House vs. East Boston Rehab Recovery Softball Game is about more than bragging rights. Played at Noyes Park in East Boston, the event aims to bring together anyone in recovery to play, cheer, and support the recovery community. It creates an opportunity for people in early recovery to have fun while working on growing their sober network through friendly competition. Score is loosely kept and a trophy is awarded, but we are all the winners at the end.
Current and former players have said they look forward to these games because while they’re on the field for those seven innings — pitching, hitting, fielding, running, playing — they actually forget about being in a treatment program; they forget about their struggles and worries; and even forget about the hard work of being in recovery. They feel like they did prior to ever picking up a substance.
The Recovery Softball games are held twice a year in the summer months, and more people become involved with each game. The players, a solid mix of individuals in early recovery, long-term recovery, and program staff, are having a good time and building support networks without the need of substances.
It is a privilege to organize these games and experience the joy and happiness of all who attend. Special thanks to Jim Gillis of The Winthrop Pro Shop for donating the Recovery Cup trophy; Turning Point Recovery Center for use of their equipment; Siobhan S and the staff at East Boston Rehab; North Suffolk Community Services; and especially everyone who attended and helped make this event so memorable.
