Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association hosted the 3rd annual Senior Cup, a unique tournament for LGBT athletes 40 years and older, Sept. 7-8. Ten teams descended on Chicago, with players from all over North America competing in this softball extravaganza.
Voodoo, sponsored locally by Charlie's and co-sponsored by San Francisco's Rolo, defeated past champions Sidetrack Chicago. These two teams had each won the tournament once and in this tie-breaking year, Voodoo had the magic going for them. Both have declared a return in 2003.
Condie Management's Little Dog Properties had its own magic going. They won the Gay Softball World Series, D Division, and now CMSA's Senior Cup in the Walker Division. Coming off of this win, several members joked that they should enter this year's Gay Games.
Peter Meyer, the tournament's founder and coordinator, said the third year was a charm; everything went perfectly. There was a minor snafu in the bracket designations, but it was cleared up relatively easily Saturday night. The number of teams has steadily increased and for the first time the tournament was divided into two divisions: Walker ( Rec ) and Rocker ( Competitive ) . Together with five other volunteers, Meyer coordinates all aspects of the tournament. This year they even had a 100+-year-old woman throw out the ceremonial first pitch of the championship games. Carmella Hartigan ( maiden name Tamburrino ) says she's "a little over one-hundred." Her birthday was Feb. 4. The oldest player in the Senior Cup was 66-year-old Ron Yenerich.
Following ASA rules, this double-elimination tournament is not for the weak of heart. Bob's Bubbies really showed their endurance, having to play four games in a row. Fighting their way out of the Loser's Bracket, Bubbies made it all the way to the Championship game. Fans waved signs stating "Pickle Power," but by the end of it all, Bubbies had lost their juice and succumbed to Little Dogs. While the sponsor is a pickle company in San Francisco, similar to other teams in the tournament, the players were from all over the country. These kosher pickles are available in Chicago at the Whole World Market on Huron Street. When asked about their streak, Bubbies team said they were inspired by Bubbies advice, "Eat My Pickles. Wear Clean Underwear. Marry A Doctor." Bubbies also sponsored Carmella Hartigan's appearance.
Born out of a conversation at the Chicago bar, North End, this tournament combines a playful and lighthearted atmosphere with quality competitive play for those who are nowhere near ready to hang up their cleats. The logo says it all. It is a black diamond and in the middle there is a rocking chair, trophy, softball mitt and ball.