From the Softball World Series. Photos by Ross Forman
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The annual Gay Softball World Series is all about friendships and camaraderie, said Jack Neilsen, who serves as the coach for the D Division Jackhammer Heat squad. It's all about the team-bonding experience and the friendships developed with players from across the country.
But ultimately it's the championship trophy that everyone eyes, in all divisions—and now, Neilsen and his crew claim bragging rights.
On Aug. 19 in the hotness and humidity of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., the appropriately named Heat defeated the South Florida Bandits 5-3 to win the D Division title. It was Chicago's only first-place trophy, as Hamburger Mary's Cougars fell to the Los Angeles Killer B's in the title game of the B Division.
Chicago's A and C Division teams did not finish among the top three, nor did either of the women's teams.
'I'm on cloud nine. There are no words to describe this feeling, this joy that we have right now,' Neilsen said. 'It's an amazing feeling. I wish every other Chicago team was able to experience what we did.'
At least many of the other Chicago players watched, and cheered for, the Heat in a game they never trailed. Plus, the Nashville Shock, which lost in the D Division's third-place game, also sat behind the Heat bench, cheering for Neilsen & Co. 'Those are the friendships, the bonds that last a lifetime,' he said.
The Heat was presented its championship trophy at the closing ceremony of the 30th annual World Series. Each member of the Heat will receive a personalized watch from the Series.
'This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, winning the World Series,' Neilsen said. 'The team was united as one unit, playing for everyone—not for ourselves. Whether someone was sitting on the bench or the lead-off batter, we were all one. This championship is for everyone in Chicago gay softball.'
The Heat, by virtue of its title, will move up to the C Division next season.
The Heat struck early, grabbing a 1-0 edge in the first inning. The championship game, which was the ninth game for the Heat in five days, was a defensive battle between both teams. There very few hits and very few errors committed by either team. 'But the few errors that the Bandits committed, we capitalized on them to score some runs,' Neilsen said.
Shortstop Don Leach started a key sixth-inning double play, sending the ball to second baseman Brian Poust, who then relayed it over to Patrick Brandell at first.
Pitcher Brian Harder left the game in the sixth inning, and reliever Rick Curneal was flawless, getting a Bandits player out on strikes to end the sixth inning and strand three runners on base.
'That was a key moment for us,' Neilsen said. 'I honestly can say there was not a key player for us in the series; everyone contributed, which is what I asked of them. Everyone gave their heart and soul to this team for the series. There were key players in every game, but not just one player for every game.'
Still, left fielder Lori Condie was the Heat's 'motivational momma,' Neilsen said. Plus, Mark Steffen, Brian Lopez and Matt Jones each had clutch hits throughout the games.
'Winning the championship didn't really hit me right away, not until I was at the closing ceremonies and we were given the first-place trophy. That's when it became reality,' Neilsen said. 'The joy of winning the World Series ... you cannot compare it to anything.
'This championship just goes to show that Chicago is a force among the national softball competition,' he added. 'Some people might say, 'Oh, it's only D Division,' but we play our hearts out, just like any other team, be it in A, B or C Division.'