By Steven Bracco–
The San Francisco Gay Softball League (SFGSL) is ready to get back on the softball field next month and we’re currently looking for new players to sign up. Registration is now open for our Spring 2022 season, which is scheduled to begin Sunday, March 27.
Founded in 1977, SFGSL is a gay and lesbian softball league committed to providing an organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender participants to compete in an environment conducive to the community.
“SFGSL is where a diverse group of individuals come together to play a sport while supporting and cheering each other on,” said SFGSL commissioner Vincent Fuqua. “It’s also an opportunity to build new and lasting friendships for years.”
SFGSL is the largest LGBTQ+ softball league in the country and is a member of the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Association (NAGAAA) and Amateur Sports Alliance of North America (ASANA).
Every season, over 45 teams and 450 players compete across our Open and Women’s+ Divisions. Games take place every Sunday from March through June at fields across San Francisco including Moscone, Margaret Hayward (Lang Field), and Kimbell.
“The great thing about SFGSL is that it provides a safe and healthy setting for our community to meet and engage with each other,” said SFGSL Diversity Chair Cammie Duvall. “We have so many amazing people, and diverse cultures that makes it feel safe and accepting regardless of gender, sexuality, cultural background, etc.”
Each year our teams also compete on a national level at the Gay Softball World Series (GSWS) and the ASANA Series. The 2022 GSWS will be in Dallas, Texas, from August 28–September 5 and the ASANA Series is set for August 16–20 in Washington, D.C.
Along with playing softball, SFGSL members enjoy hanging out with their teammates and other players at events off the field. SFGSL hosts a variety of events throughout the season including an Opening Day Party at Detour, SF Giants & Oakland A’s Pride Nights, Bowling Fundraiser, and our annual Switch Hitters Ball.
Many players in SFGSL have been playing for multiple years and continue to come back not just for the friendly competition but also because of the friendships that they’ve developed on and off the field.
After playing for more than 20 years, Fuqua said, “I continue to play because I love the game of softball and the community that I have built over the years.”
“I keep coming back to the SFGSL because of the enjoyment of being around folks from all walks of life,” said SFGSL member Loto Maulupe.
“At the end of the day it’s more than a game; it’s a family affair of extended family from many walks of life,” added SFGSL member Elisa Maria Muscardin.
SFGSL is open to people of all skills levels whether you’re a seasoned pro or someone who is new to the game. Our league will provide everyone with the support and guidance that will allow them to have fun playing softball.
SFGSL would like to invite anyone interested in joining the league to attend our New Players Clinic on Sunday, February 13, at Margaret Hayward Playground (Lang Field) and Saturday, March 19, from 11 am to 1 pm (location TBD).
More information can be found at http://www.sfgsl.org/
Castro resident Steven Bracco is a San Francisco firefighter and is the Communications Director for the San Francisco Gay Softball League. He is also a journalist for Hoodline and an Advisory Board Member of the Castro LGBTQ Cultural District.
Published on February 10, 2022
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