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Sometime in the mid 1970's, a group of Christian men met together to discuss the possible formation of a new church softball league. The concept was fellowship among believers through Christian athletics. The teams would come from local Suffolk County churches of various denominations, and the participants would be expected to adhere to biblical principles of behavior. Meetings were held, ground rules were established and in 1976, and the Suffolk County Christian Softball League (SCCSL) was born.
In its inaugural season, while the details are sketchy, the league boasted approximately eight teams in two divisions. Since then, the league has continued to grow. In 1981, the SCCSL became the Suffolk Christian League (SCL). This name change, while not changing its purpose, allowed the SCL to expand and not be restricted to softball. As of yet, no additional sports have been administrated by the SCL*. With a little advertising from a local Christian radio station (WLIX 540AM), the distribution of Key Fobs, Bumper-stickers, Lapel Pins, Waterbottles, T-Shirts, Mugs, Newsletters and a lot of help from the Lord, the league grew in number and reputation.
Over a quarter of a century later the SCL, has twenty-seven men’s teams, 6 women’s teams and as of 2002, a brand new youth conference. The league continues to be a blessing to believers of over 15 denominations represented by over 40 churches throughout Suffolk County. In addition to being a place where relationships are formed and maintained between believers and between churches, many teams have also discovered the value in using this ministry to reach out to non-believers. Game nights tend to be family nights where wives, girlfriends and children can enjoy fellowship in the format of Christian athletics.
The league's program currently includes: 18 regular season games played on Monday and/or Tuesday nights, a mid-season, 9 inning all-star game, a late-season tournament between Long Island's four Christian leagues, double-elimination playoffs, a post season 1-pitch tournament and a post season awards banquet hosted by one of our member churches featuring over 200 awards, plaques and trophies, Christian speakers from professional sports teams as well as local Christian ministries, a time of praise and worship, slide presentations, door prizes, not to mention the food. Also provided are bi-monthly newsletters that are both mailed and e-mailed. This year marks the debut of our official website, escl.net, as well as the formation of our new women's conference. All this and more for half the cost of standard leagues this size.
If the SCL sounds like it would be a good idea for your church, and your church agrees with the SCL Statement of Faith, download a membership application, fill it out and mail it in. The SCL Board of Directors will review your application and get back to you within a few weeks. The 2000 season is already underway, so there would not be any expansion until the 2001 season. May the Lord bless us with another twenty-five years.
Key Moments in SCL History
1976
Formation of the SCCSL
Monday Night Schedule Established
1979
Ronald L. Mentus (NVC) elected 1st President
Hiring of ASA Umpires for All Games
1st Annual East/West All-Star Game
6 Team Single Elimination Playoffs with 3-game Finals
1980
WLIX "Christian Sports Report" with Mel Torre
League Scholarship Fund Established
1981
Renamed "Suffolk Christian League"
1st Annual SCL Awards Dinner @Nesconset Church of Christ
Debut of the SCL Sportlight
1982
Inter-League Championship with the Charismatic League
Realignment into Two Conferences with 4 Divisions
Tuesday Night Games Added to Season Schedule
1983
1st Nassau/Suffolk All-Star Game
1st Inter-County Championship
Women's Tournament Debuts
Ist Pastor's Classic Softball Game
Base Paths Lengthened to 65 ft.
1984
Certified as a Non-profit Corporation by NYS
New Logo &Corporate Image Established
1985
Formation of the SCL Hall of Fame
Tax Exempt Status Granted by NYS
1986
Umpire Rating Card System Implemented
1987
Double Elimination Play-offs Implemented
1990
Paul K. Schnier (GLW) elected 2nd President
1991
Howard Johnson (NYMets) Guest Speaker at Awards Dinner
1992
Mike Gartner (NYRangers) Guest Speaker at Awards Dinner
1994
Joseph Girgus (NCA) elected 3rd President
1995
Annual Island Classic Tournament Debuts
1996
Conference Realignment into Northeast and Southwest
1999
Full Color Sportlight Newsletter Goes E-mail
2000
New Logo & Corporate Image Introduced
Web-site, escl.net Launched
Women's Conference Formed
2001
John Vanbeisbrouk (NY Rangers) Guest Speaker at Awards Dinner
2002
Youth Conference Formed
2006
Dave Dideriksen (NVC) elected 3rd President
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