“I’ve Been Framed,” Player profiles

Meet Diane Meyer of Mr. Willy’s

By ANNA PULEO

MONGAUP VALLEY, NY - Diane Meyer has been playing for Mr. Willy’s softball team in the Sullivan County Women’s Softball League (SCWSL) for the past seven years. She likes the fact that this league is competitive.

“The girls on the team are a lot of fun… they’re nice girls,” said Meyer. When asked what improvements could be made in the league, Meyer noted that at the beginning of the season in the end of May, most of the umpires are still working at high school or men’s games.

Once these games finish, the umpire has to rush to the women’s games, leaving many players wondering if any ump will show up at all. “That’s frustrating,” Meyer said. Also on the topic of umpires, Meyer noted that having two umpires, instead of one, could be beneficial in many of the games.

The SCWSL has a board of directors and representatives from each team. Meyer has served as team representative on a regular basis. The meetings start in February to ensure that pre-season planning gets underway early.

Family members of softball players are sometimes invited to join in on the fun. In Meyer’s case, daughters Katrina Meyer and her sister, Vanessa Burleson, play alongside their mother for Mr. Willy’s.

There are more athletes in the Meyer family as well.

Diane’s son, Joe Meyer, plays for Matthew’s On Main in the local beer league and for Ideal Snacks in the Monticello Men’s Softball League. Another daughter, Stephanie Meyer, is about to become a senior at Sullivan West High School. A golden glove award was given to Stephanie for playing first base.

“She plays the same position as I do,” Meyer said. When asked if any friends support her athletic endeavors, Meyer mentioned that four of her very close friends play on Mr. Willy’s as well.