Our Story

The History of the Robson Ranch Softball Association

"More than a game. A community built one inning at a time."

Where It All Began

When Robson Ranch opened its doors in 2001, it quickly became known as one of North Texas' premier active adult communities. Residents arrived from across the country bringing with them a lifetime of experiences—and for many, a lifelong love of softball.

It didn't take long before neighbors became teammates.

What began as informal pickup games among residents soon evolved into an organized softball league built on three simple principles:

• Friendly competition

• Good sportsmanship

• Lasting friendships

Those early volunteers laid the foundation for what would become the Robson Ranch Softball Association (RRSA)—an organization dedicated to providing safe, organized, recreational softball for every resident who wanted to continue playing the game they loved.

In 2013, the association became a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, giving RRSA a formal structure that would support future growth and long-term sustainability.

Building a Community

Unlike many sports organizations, RRSA has never measured success simply by wins and losses.

Success has always been measured by:

• New friendships formed

• New residents welcomed

• Volunteers giving back

• Healthy competition

• Players staying active

Every spring, the familiar sounds of bats cracking, gloves popping, and teammates cheering fill the Field of Dreams at Robson Ranch. For many residents, softball has become one of the defining experiences of community life.

Players range from newcomers who haven't played in decades to seasoned veterans with years of softball experience. Everyone shares the same field.

Growing Through the Years

As participation increased, the association expanded well beyond a single recreational league.

Today RRSA proudly offers:

• Coed League Mon-Fri at 6 pm in the Spring and Fall seasons

• Tuesday Day League Spring and Fall

• Senior Coed League (70+) Wednesday mornings Spring and Fall seasons

• Skills clinics

• Volunteer umpire program

• League tournaments

• Community social events, 4 of July Parade, Sponsor Appreciation Day, Annual Freedom House Game

• Season Ending Championship and celebration

A Tradition of Sportsmanship

One of RRSA's defining characteristics is its emphasis on fair play.

League games are conducted under the Senior Softball USA (SSUSA) Rulebook while incorporating locally adopted Rules of Play designed specifically for Robson Ranch.

These local rules ensure games remain:

• Safe

• Fair

• Competitive

• Enjoyable for players of every ability

Managers, umpires, board members, and volunteers all share responsibility for preserving the spirit of the game.

Winning is important.  Respect is essential.

Championship Memories

Every season concludes with Championship Week—a celebration of another successful year of softball.

One memorable season came in 2021 when multiple rain delays threatened to cancel the playoffs. Rather than giving up, teams returned after each weather delay until a champion was finally crowned.

The season concluded with championship games, a community picnic, and another reminder that softball at Robson Ranch has always been about far more than the final score.

Volunteers Make It Possible

Every successful season is the result of countless volunteer hours.

Board members, commissioners, managers, scorekeepers, umpires, grounds crews, sponsors, and committee members all contribute their time so others can simply enjoy playing softball.

RRSA has always been a volunteer-driven organization.  That spirit of service continues to define the association today.

Looking Forward

As Robson Ranch continues to grow, so does the vision for its softball program.

Recent initiatives include:

• Enhanced league communications

• Modern online scheduling

• Player development resources

• Rules education through Robson Ranch Rule School

• Continued improvements to the Field of Dreams

• Expansion of volunteer opportunities

The goal remains unchanged:

To provide a welcoming softball experience where every resident has an opportunity to play, compete, exercise, and build lifelong friendships.

Timeline of Major Milestones

2001 Robson Ranch Texas opens as an active-adult community

Early 2000s Resident softball begins through organized recreational play

2010 First year using QuickScores for scheduling games, posting scores, and maintaining standings

2012 First game played at Field of Dreams

2013 RRSA receives IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit status

2015–Present Continued growth of recreational and senior leagues

2021 First year with team sponsorship

     Championship season completed after multiple rain delays

2022–Present Expansion of communications, sponsorships, travel teams, and player education

2024 Co-Ed League expands from 8 to 10 teams to start the Fall season

2025 Legacy Circle Award is established

2026 Fall Coed season delayed 3 weeks due to extreme heat advisories from the Texas heat

RRSA Presidents

Mark Aberbach (2008-2011)

Keith Daly (2012-2013)

Darell Nicklas (2014)

Bill Johansson (2015)

Mike Conley (2016)

Gary King (2017)

Larry Lewis(2018)

Johnny Blecher (2019)

Larry Lewis (2020)

Bob Hoffenberg (2021)

Mick Calverly (2022)

Sean Curry (2023-2024)

Carol Rumberger (2025-2026)