A league of
their own

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

During the day, Jaime Dacey teaches history.
At night, she makes it.
Last year, the Archbishop Wood graduate joined Pennsylvania’s first and only professional softball team — the Philadelphia Force.
At the time, Dacey already had earned a bachelor’s degree in education and was a substitute teacher in the Neshaminy School District. But having spent 12 years of her life on the softball diamond, the chance to play at a professional level was impossible to pass up.
"I heard that there was going to be a professional team," said Dacey. "At the time, I had just finished playing in college, so I approached them about playing."
The Philadelphia Force launched its first season in May 2006. The squad joined five other teams in the National Pro Fastpitch League. The NPF gives some of the best softball athletes around the country an opportunity to compete in a professional league.
"I never thought I’d be playing professional softball," said Dacey. "I remember, when I was younger, I looked up to baseball players. Sure, there was the Olympic softball team, but that’s one team and only a select few make it. But this is different. It’s such an amazing opportunity and I’m lucky to have it."
The Langhorne resident is one of 20 athletes talented enough to join the Philadelphia Force roster this season. She’s the sole Pennsylvania resident on a team composed of softball players from Texas, Michigan, California, Georgia, Illinois, Florida and Nebraska, among other states.
"It’s great being the only local girl on the team," she said. "Last year I knew someone at every game. I had a lot of support, which is great. Of course, everyone loves playing for people they know. It means a lot that they’re there. A lot of girls who aren’t from the area aren’t able to have their families at games. So I’m really lucky to have that."
The season started earlier this month and concludes in late August. The Philadelphia Force plays its home games at ECTB Stadium at Bicentennial Park in Allentown.
Dacey was born and raised in Bucks County. She attended Archbishop Wood in Warminster, playing with the Vikings for three years. The squad won the Philadelphia Catholic League softball championship in 1999 and 2000.
After graduation, she went to Shippensburg University. During her time with the Raiders, she competed in two NCAA Division II national championships. Dacey — as a freshman — was named PSAC (Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference) Rookie of the Year. She went on to earn first-team All-PSAC and first-team All-Regional honors during her time in a Raiders uniform.
As a senior, Dacey was named the PSAC Player of the Year and compiled the highest batting average in Division II softball — .549 — and had nine doubles, 11 triples, four home runs and 58 runs batted in.
And that was only the beginning.
The 5-foot-6 outfielder has brought her softball skills into the world of professional sports.
"Jaime is a great athlete," said Force assistant general manager Erin Statmore. "She practices harder than anyone. She comes to the field early and works hard. She’s always ready to play."
"All the years of playing and all of the hard work were worth it," Dacey said. "It does take a long time. But you have to continue to work hard, because it will pay off. But this entire experience is a dream come true. We’re all really lucky."
Dacey has a feeling that things are only going to get better.
"Each year I think the team and league will get a little bigger," said Dacey. "It’s going to take a while, but we’re trying to make it happen. Having the opportunity to be a part of something that has so much opportunity to grow is special. And I know it will become bigger in the future."
In the two years of its existence, the Philadelphia Force already is building a national reputation. The fan base is growing.
"After the games, we hang around and sign autographs," said Dacey. "The first time around, it was funny. I couldn’t believe people wanted my autograph! But I quickly realized that it means a lot to the younger girls — they wait in line and get so excited. It’s incredibly motivational to see these girls out there.
"We all do this because we love the sport, but it wouldn’t be as fun for us without the fans," she continued. "It’s really all about the fans. We’re always trying to get fans and local teams to come out and watch us play. I think continuing to fill the stands is going to make a big difference."
The players don’t seem too preoccupied with the business aspect of professional athletics. After all, genuine love for the sport is what brought them to this point.
"We don’t do it for the money," she said. "We do it for the sport. We want to see softball grow. It’s not often that you have an opportunity like this. For a woman to play at a pro level is incredible. And I think this league has the potential to be huge." ••
For more information about the Philadelphia Force and a schedule of upcoming games, visit www.PhiladelphiaForce.com
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com