THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

The Chicago Spin Menace takes the field against the best of the best in gay softball.

The NAGAAA is a predominantly gay event. The Amateur Sports Alliance of North America ( ASANA ) runs a separate women's-only World Series, set for Nov. 1-6 in Las Vegas.

"As an A-Division team, we are automatically qualified to compete in the Series, but it means a lot to us to have qualified for free registration for the World Series by virtue of placing second in the NAGAAA Cup tournament in Minneapolis over Memorial Day," said Cameron Turner, 37, an outfielder and coach for the Menace. He added that the team's strength is, "offensive balance—we have singles hitters, power hitters and good speed."

Turner has played in four past World Series, including a stint on the Spin Cougars team that won the B-Division World Series championship last year. "Our team is comprised largely of members of that team who have decided to move up to compete in the A-Division," Turner said.

The Menace also features Matt Walus ( outfield ) , Kevin Ball ( pitcher ) and Jim Kyser ( infield ) .

The Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association ( CMSA ) will not be sending a D-Division team this year.

"We have a great group of teams qualified to represent Chicago at the 2010 NAGAAA Gay Softball World Series," said CMSA open division softball commissioner Jack Neilson. "Best of luck to all of them and bring home some hardware to Chicago."

Here's a look at the four other CMSA teams that will compete in Columbus:

B Division:

Basil Hayden Buzz:

—Coach: Aaron Brost ( also the pitcher )

—Years playing softball: 13

—Coach's corner: Brost has twice played in the Series, in San Diego & Seattle. "I'll never forget playing catcher and tagging out two runners at home plate during the same play to end a game. What a rush," he said.

—About the Series: "This trip to the Series is significant because I'm going with my Sunday league team versus as a pick-up player for another team," said Brost, 36. "It makes a big difference to play with teammates that know how to best motivate and support you. I hear every word of encouragement from my teammates at the pitcher's mound."

—Buzz about the Buzz: "We support each other 100 percent and constantly make jokes to keep the mood light and the drama to a minimum," Brost said. "We're all great friends on and off the field."

—Players to watch: Paul Milinsky and Johnmarc Alban

Spin Rock Star

—Coach: Mark Febonio ( also a pitcher and infielder )

—Years playing softball: 35

—Coach's corner: Febonio, 51, has played in 15 previous Gay Softball World Series. " [ My personal ] highlight was winning the B-Division title last year in Milwaukee. Another highlight was being the relay on a throw to the plate to cut down the potential winning run in an elimination game in the finals of the 2006 World Series in Ft Lauderdale. We finished second."

—Rock Stars: "The strength of our team is in the ability is spread even across the batting order," Febonio said. "We have players who can play at a high level spread across the lineup and many players capable of providing the needed energy and performance and throughout the year it's been different players contributing at different times that makes us competitive."

—Players to watch: Chris Judson, Todd Wilkens, Brand Hoffman

C-Division:

Green Team/Gotcha Covered Blinds G-Force

—Coach: Brian Kettner ( also a utility player )

—Years playing softball: Nine

—Coach's corner: Kettner, 36, has played in seven past World Series, highlighted by the 2008 Series in Seattle. "With little expectations for our team, we ended up placing fifth [ in 2008 ] ," Kettner said. "One game, we overcame a 10-1 deficit."

—The Series: "This event brings some spectacular competition together from around the country. It is a great opportunity to meet wonderful people and create great friendships."

—G-Force: "There are no superstars on our team. We have 15 players heading to Columbus. We are not dependent on any one person. We are able to feed off the momentum of each other."

—It's a fact: Five of the team's first eight wins this year, including the World Series qualifier, happened in the last inning.

—Three players to watch: Danny Tag, Joe Greene, Greg McNitt

Spin Wildcats

—Coach: Robert Paradise ( who also plays first and third bases )

—Years playing softball: 15

—Coach's corner: Paradise, 49, has only played in two past World Series. "I will always remember the 2006 World Series in Ft Lauderdale. All of the Chicago fans were rooting the Chicago Mary's [ team ] . It was exciting when they won the B Division."

—The Series: "It is an honor to be able to represent Chicago in the C-Division. The competition will be high and, by playing in the World Series, it makes you a better person and a better team. Plus, the camaraderie is awesome," Paradise said.

—The Wildcats: "The strength of our team is that the team consists of a wide variety of young and old players," Paradise said. "What I mean by that is we have a mixture of seasoned veterans and some rookies. We have a lot of speed and a lot of experience; that is a formula for a lot of victories and one big trophy."

—Players to watch: Tim Worthington, Mike Buzzini and Jeff Xenakis