Player profile

Meet Amanda Irwin and Ally McCarthy of Cooper Paint

By ANNA PULEO

MONGAUP VALLEY, NY - What do you get when you mix a Little Debbie cake and a Drake’s brand snack cake together? Sounds like something delicious and it is. The answer: two of the biggest hitters in the Sullivan County Women’s Softball League (SCWSL). That’s right. Amanda “Swiss Roll” Irwin and Ally “Ring Ding” McCarthy, as they call themselves, have had a combined nine out-of-the-park home runs–eight by Amanda and one by Ally.

These two ladies have been playing together for Cooper Paint softball team for the past three years. Before that, Amanda played on three other SCWSL teams. Ally has been on the league for 15 years. Ally remembers hitting her home run consecutively after Amanda’s one night: “The ball flew right over the fence,” she said.

Big hits are only some of the attributes Amanda and Ally bring to the SCWSL. Both ladies feel privileged to have the opportunity to play at this high level of competition. Generally, Amanda plays third base and Ally plays first base. While all positions on a team are important, the third-to-first throws must be accurate and precise. Once players have established time and practice on a team together, these plays are conducted with more ease. Amanda and Ally seem to have that communication down to a tee.

The SCWSL is available to women of this county from ages 18 and above, with the exception of graduating seniors from high school. This league gives Sullivan County women a place to go after work and before returning to their home lives. During our online interview, Amanda and I discussed the fact that Orange County has many more leagues. We only have one league for this age group, and we are glad it exists. Keeping in mind the high level of competition sought by many players and teams, one of my follow-up interview questions is: Should teams from our league play with teams from other leagues in other counties?

Considering the cost and time of traveling to and from games, inter-league play may not be feasible now, but could be considered in the future to expand the playing field (pun intended), especially for those who play at such a competitive level.

A supportive audience while they play their games is helpful for Amanda, Ally and their teammates. They’re thankful to have such support from their team sponsor, Mr. Cooper, who religiously shows up to each game. Another regular supporter is Chris, Ally’s boyfriend. Amanda notes: “Special supports are definitely Mr. Cooper, love him to death! And oh yeah, Chris too! Important!”

So basically, when you combine the Swiss Roll and the Ring Ding among other great players, the winning is very sweet and a recipe for success.