This is Brentt Eads of Line Drive Softball…

Like many of you, I am watching the horrific images coming out of Southern California caused by the numerous fires and aching for those who are impacted.

I lived for 30 years in So Cal—in Redondo Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes, Mission Viejo and Huntington Beach—and I loved my time there… the weather, for sure, but mostly the wonderful people I got to know and associate with, especially through softball.

Over the last several days, I’ve been in touch with many coaches, players and others in our sport to get updates. I have heard of one club team that has had a few coaches and players lose their homes and was forced to pull out of a winter showcase.

I have reached out to officials at softball organizations such as Alliance, PGF and USA Softball to see what they’re doing to help.

One executive at Alliance noted:

“We are coordinating those efforts this week. The PCFL (Pacific Coast Fastpitch League) is leading the charge there and we’re hoping to identify a drop-off site for equipment donations.”

A lead at Premier Girls Fastpitch (PGF), which is based in Huntington Beach, Calif., told us:

“As of right now, we haven’t figured out a charity or who to work with yet but we will soon. The people who are taking donations are all stopping already because they’re being overwhelmed so we have to ensure we go with the best option and solution.”

Firefighters continue to make progress in containing the wildfires impacting the Los Angeles area. Here is a summary of the major fires burning in Southern California including the #PalisadesFire and #EatonFire #LAFires pic.twitter.com/Njy3LyrW7m

— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) January 14, 2025

One issue making the situation even more difficult is that looters and scam artists are causing issues to the point that officials in So Cal are saying to not to respond to or make donations in response to texts or calls at this time, even from family members, without calling to verify it’s a legit source or whom they’re claiming to be.

As one softball exec said:

“It’s terrible you have those who take advantage during a natural disaster like this… it’s awful!”

We at Line Drive Softball want to promote worthy causes and help those players, coaches, families and teams in need.

Certainly, we want to know that you’re safe, but if you or those you know have been impacted, please feel free to share your insights if only to provide support such as prayers, well-wishes or donations as appropriate.

We will have more in the upcoming days as we talk to those impacted by the fires and how we, as a softball community, can help.

Please write and let us know at Line Drive how YOU in Southern California are doing and those we need to rally around to offer our love and support.

— Brentt Eads/Line Drive Softball

Email: Brentt.Eads@LineDriveMedia.com