BISL History
The Bangkok International Softball League (BISL) is a non-profit, slo-pitch men’s softball league started over 16 years ago by expatriate Americans living in Bangkok. The league runs from January to May each year. Teams participate in the preseason "one-pitch" tournament, 20-game regular season schedule, and a season-ending tournament in May. The league has a rich and competitive history featuring over 120 athletes from Asian, North American and European countries.
The league has three main goals:
1. To promote friendship between the teams, players, and fans through sporting activity;
2. To provide fans an opportunity to see a competitive softball in Asia;
3. To contribute and give-back to the local communities.
To play in the preseason tournament, regular season, and season-ending tournament (about 20 games total), the cost per team is 50,000 baht. This fee covers the cost of field rental, umpires, grounds crews, statisticians, bases, softballs, trophies, etc. The 2008 season featured teams sponsored by Chevron, Gadzouks, Tilac, Royal Bangkok Sports Club, Roadhouse and more.
The BISL also runs an international tournament in late November or early December to help raise money for the league and local charities. In 2005, the tournament had twenty one teams with athletes from Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea, Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia, Japan, China, Thailand, USA and the Middle East. Hundereds of spectators attended the tournament each day at the Queen Sirikit 60th Anniversary Stadium, the main venue for the 1998 Asian games.
Contact any of the volunteer members or team coaches if you are interested in playing or volunteering for the league, sponsoring a team, making a donation or just learning more about the BISL.