The Swingers Take the Crown: Another Darnestown Softball Season in the Books

by Scott Damiecki, CDS; photos by Kim Barrow, CDS

10/23/2026

The bats have been put away, the gloves are back in the garage, and hopefully the aches and pains have finally disappeared. The 2026 Darnestown softball season is officially in the books. And this year’s bragging rights belong to the Central Darnestown Swingers (CDS).

CDS finished an impressive 8-3 and atop the four-team standings, just ahead of Jones Lane at 7-4. Bondy-Haddonfield-Ridgefield (BHR) finished 5-5, and Western Darnestown rounded out the league at 1-9. There was no shortage of offense. CDS scored 126 runs during the season, while Jones Lane led the league with 137. One of the season’s wildest games came in July when CDS put 30 runs on the board against BHR. But anyone who has spent a Sunday afternoon at the Darnestown field knows the league is about much more than the scoreboard. Darnestown softball brings together neighbors and friends for a tradition that, according to the league records, dates back at least to 1990. Teams and names have changed through the years, but the formula hasn’t: good competition, plenty of laughs, a little friendly trash talk and a reason to get together on
summer Sunday evenings.

This summer belonged to CDS, which captured the 2026 championship, their first since 2019. Congratulations to the Swingers, and thanks to everyone who played, umpired, organized, watched and supported another great Darnestown softball season. And if you’ve been watching from the sidelines, consider joining us next year! Whether you’re a longtime player or haven’t picked up a glove in years, Darnestown softball is a great way to meet neighbors, enjoy some friendly competition and be part of a terrific community tradition. We’re always looking for new players, so come join us in 2027.