In 1994 a shockwave in the form of a Title-IX lawsuit hit Kentucky requiring all High Schools to start offering fastpitch softball beginning in the 1995 season. In the summer of 1995 the Parks and Recreation 18U ASA slowpitch softball league was converted to fastpitch and taken over by Mark Montgomery and the Dixie (now Southwest) Babe Ruth League. In 1996, John and Annette Cook took over as softball coordinators for Dixie. In 1999 the 16U Southwest Babe Ruth Fastpitch League was formed. In 1999 Southwest competed on the first regulation fastpitch softball field in Lexington dedicated 100% to girls fastpitch (Shillito B Field). The league included girls from all of Fayette County and all adjoining counties. The 16U All-star team won the Eastern Kentucky State Championship in their very first year and every year after.

In the spring of 1999, Southeastern Bambino Division with the help of a very dedicated softball mom, Bonnie Heffelbower, organized teams for a new division. Southeastern Babe Ruth Fastpitch Softball for girls 12 and under started scheduling games at Veterans and Shillito Park. The league grew from three teams that first year to eleven teams in two divisions by 2002. The league included girls from the entire south side of Lexington and played a large portion of its 2002 games at Gainesway Park, the site of the original boy’s league. Through terrific coaching, the league helped develop many talented players. The 2001&2002 10U and 12U All-star teams won the Eastern Kentucky State Championship and the 2002 12U All-star Team participated in the Babe Ruth World Series held in Louisville, KY.

Bluegrass Girls Fast Pitch became an independent chartered organization starting in 2003. The league was organized by combining the two separate leagues, Southwest Babe Ruth Fastpitch for girls 16 and under and Southeastern Babe Ruth Fastpitch for girls 12 and under. Over 320 players participated in league games that were played at 3 locations: Shillito “B” field at Southwest Babe Ruth Boys Complex, the Gainesway field adjacent to Tates Creek High School and the Southland field, which was shared with the boy’s rookie league division from Shillito. Once again, the league was very successful with the 10U and 16U All-star teams winning State championships and the 12U All-star team winning the State and Regional title and once again earning the right to compete in the Babe Ruth World Series held in Wilson, NC.

Through the winter of 2003-04, Bluegrass GFP Board Members worked diligently to secure the league a “Home”. Their hard work paid off with the help of LFUCG Parks & Recreation, the LFUCG City Council and Board Members of Southwest Boys Babe Ruth. A field trade was announced that allowed Bluegrass GFP to take over the field and concession stand located at Cardinal Run Park off Parkers Mill Rd. The Shillito “B” field was turned over to the boys league. Although LFUCG contracted and funded the existing baseball field at Cardinal Run, it was Bluegrass GFP volunteers who re-modeled the field to softball specs by moving in the outfield fence, tearing out the infield, grading and sodding. Through the efforts of league leaders & volunteers, a second field is under construction.

More than anything else, Bluegrass GFP wants to provide a first class organization and facility allowing thousands of children, from all backgrounds, to try their hand at the national pastime. Many players will go on to compete at the high school, college, and professional level. Although owned by the local government, Bluegrass GFP volunteers will make Cardinal Run a very special place for families to come, socialize, and watch their kids play ball. With thoughtful oversight and a strong spirit of volunteerism, thousands more will have that opportunity in the years ahead.