Darrick Johnson often arrives at the North Side softball fields used by the Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association (CMSA) directly from the bar.
Johnson, as it happens, is a bartender on Saturday nights at Touche and, by the time he finishes his shift and drops co-workers off at home, he doesn't have enough time to make the 30-to-40-minute drive home, only to go back up north again.
So he often sleeps at the fields, in uniform.
Johnson, the pitcher for the Club Escape Phoenix team that plays in the C2 Division, has played in the league for more than 10 years. His team won the C2 Division two years ago.
"I play [softball] because it's a lot of fun," Johnson said.
He often has been spotted on the fields flagging, he admits with a smile. Johnson has often sported a light blue hanky on his left. He also has worn red, yellow and orange.
"We are a very emotional [team]. We communicate out of love. No one takes [on-field criticism] personally," he said.
That's why Johnson and his teammates often have post-game bar-b-ques, starting minutes after the last out is made.
Johnson is the team's co-captain this year, along with LaToris Jordan.
The Phoenix is the lone predominantly Black team in CMSA's open division.
"We feel [opposing teams] always come ready to play us, and we like that challenge," Johnson said. "We want people to play us hard. That brings out the best in you. We don't quit; we always play to the last out," has been made.
Johnson worked for six years at The Generator, a now-closed gay Black dance club. Touche manager Dave Boyer asked Johnson if he'd be interested in joining the Touche teamand he now works the front bar.
"I love working at Touche. The patrons treat me nice, and it's always a lively, playful crowd," said Johnson, who has spent the past 25 years working his day job for Bank of America.
So, it's a casual, professional look by day for Johnson; then jeans, a T-shirt and a leather vest at Touche; and his softball shorts on Sundays.
THE STATS
Age: 49
Neighborhood: South Shore
Job title: Implementation Project Manager at Bank of America
Other employment: Has been a bartender at Touche for four years; only on Saturday nights.
Drink of choice: Vodka tonic
Hobbies: Softball, bowling, cooking, piano playing
Club affiliation: Onyx Midwest Leather Club: A member since 2002.
It's a fact: Has a gay twin brother, Darryl, who lives in Orlando.