About The Shootout
Our Mission
Founded in 1975, Softball Macarthur supports and reflects the “NSW Premier’s Priority” of delivering well connected communities with quality local environments.
We provide the opportunity for male and female players looking for a social and family-friendly activity aged 5+ years old through to masters competitions.
Affiliated with Softball Australia and Softball NSW, Softball Macarthur organises competitions for our clubs that cover the Camden Local Government Area as well as selecting representative teams for NSW state championships.
Our male and female members have represented at State, National and International events (World Championships and Olympic Games) as well as competing professionally in a number of countries.
For over 20 years, the facility has regularly hosted regional, state and national events and has welcomed national teams playing warm up matches prior to world championships, as a result of our world class facilities.
History of the Macarthur Fastpitch Shootout
1999
In 1999, a decision was made to conduct a large scale national event for Australian club teams. The Macarthur District Softball Association had moved from our original grounds at Hilder Reserve, Elderslie to Rotary Cowpasture Reserve in 1994 due to a large growth in teams. The large plot of land was secured by Brian Long, who then developed the masterplan for the site. Many individuals and families have made significant contributions to growing the association and sport over many years.
A large group of volunteers tirelessly took a paddock covered with Patterson’s Curse weed and engaged the Australian Army to complete a training course onsite that doubled as a major earthworks program. Permanent nets were installed, including 4 donated from Georges River Softball Association (their original Diamond 1, 2, 7 and 8 backnets). The association raised funds, applied for grants and secured loans to build the amenities block and clubhouse.
2000
The funds raised from the 2000 and 2001 Shootouts funded permanent home run fencing on diamonds 2 and 3. The home run fence on diamond 1 was only finished 2 days before the 2000 event started thanks to the generous support of sponsor, Peter Keir from Accurate Fencing.
The Shootout’s were run as a men’s only event because of how the national women’s team operated after the Atlanta Olympics and leading up to Sydney and Athens, the players were not available for a women’s event.
2001
In 2001, the tournament attracted our first international team, Christchurch United from New Zealand.
Original Logo
2002
In 2002, the tournament was designated as an official qualifying event for the ISC World Tournament- the club world championships. The 2002 Shootout champions, Scorpions (Qld) became the first and to date, the only Australian team to participate in this event, by competing at the 2003 World Tournament at the legendary Sunset Park, Kimberly Wisconsin USA.
The 2002 Shootout also marked the first time the yellow ball was used instead of the traditional white ball in tournament play. Due to the shortage of yellow balls in Australia, white balls were used for all round robin and playoff games. The yellow ball was used in the Championship Game.
The previous 3 editions of the Macarthur Fastpitch Shootout (final event held in 2002) were an 8 team, 3 day men’s event played in a round robin format. Teams were guaranteed 7 games, plus finals. The venue had no lights at that time.
Rotary Cowpasture Reserve
Currently Rotary Cowpasture Reserve has one lit field but in March 2023, a $500,000 grant was announced to light diamond 2 and increase changerooms for female athletes
-
Facility Upgrade
This upgrade is expected to be completed in early 2024 along with a $2.4 million upgrade and extension to the amenities block which will improve the facilities for week to week club use and for state, national and international events. -
2022 Flooding & A Path Forward
Following severe flooding and generous support to rebuild from Camden Council, NSW and Australian Government as well local business and members of the softball community far and wide a decision was made to reinstitute the Macarthur Fastpitch Shootout with both men’s and women’s divisions played over the same weekend.
