Softball Teams Head to Gay World Series - 4747 - Gay Lesbian Bi Trans News

Chicago will be well-represented at the 30th annual 2006 Gay Softball World Series, running Aug. 14-19 in Fort Lauderdale, with eight teams participating.

'We're really looking forward to the Series; it's going to be a lot of fun,' said Jack Neilsen, 31, of Chicago, who plays second base and serves as the coach for the D-Division Jackhammer Heat. 'We know it's going to be incredibly hot down there, which is the one thing we're not looking forward to. But we plan to defend our ( 2005 ) third-place finish, and hopefully bring back a first-place trophy.'

But the Heat will have to get past 312 Crew of Chicago as well to claim gold at the Series, among the 32 D-Division team.

This year's Series will feature 117 men's teams, and 53 women's. The largest is the men's C-Division, with 41 clubs, including Buck U's and the Spin Hitmen from Chicago.

Chicago is the nation's largest softball-playing city in NAGAAA, the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance, which serves as the sport's governing body.

'The Series is just a week of fun, having a good time, playing ball. You get to see and meet a lot of people who you see throughout the year at other tournaments,' said Neilsen, who lives in Ravenswood and is in his fourth year coaching the team, which also participates in annual gay softball tournaments in Phoenix, Milwaukee and Palm Springs, along other places.

'The Series is just a huge event.'

How big, you ask? Well, the event will be held at three separate softball complexes, each with multiple fields at each.

'Winning the Series is the highest honor for gay softball,' Neilsen said.

The 2007 Series will be held in Phoenix.

The key to Neilsen's team: 'We all love each other; we're all crazy and we just have a good time. We've been together for a long time, so everyone knows everyone's personality, and that makes a huge difference when you're playing.'

The top players include third baseman Matt Jones and outfielder Lori Condie, thanks to her knowledge of the game. This season's most improved player is right-center fielder Jay Lacey, who has 'made amazing strides this season,' Neilsen said.

The team's biggest comedian is Condie, mostly because she has the loudest vocal cords. 'She always keeps everyone in good spirits,' Neilsen said.

Neilsen's team also features Jennifer Runions, who has been playing in the league for about six years, yet is straight. NAGAAA dictates that straight players can only play in the World Series after playing at least one season in a gay league.

'We're looking forward to bring a trophy home to Chicago,' Neilsen said. 'I think all of the Chicago teams have a good chance of bringing home a trophy, especially the Spin Hitmen or Hamburger Mary's. But never under-estimate the underdog; we went in last year as the complete underdog, a complete unknown, yet came home with the third-place trophy.'

Chicago's annual Sunday summer softball season is wrapping up this month, with 43 participating teams, up from 37 last year.

'We've had a good season,' said CMSA softball commissioner Doug Malm, who is retiring his post after this season. 'We've had a steady increase in the number of teams annually over the past four years, with the biggest growth coming in the C- and D-Divisions.'

Chicago's last first-place team at the Series came in 2000, a championship in the C-Division.

'I love going to the event. The competition is just amazing, and that competition truly runs the gamut. From the bottom-level players to some truly amazing A-Division players. There's a lot of competition in all divisions,' Malm said. 'I think each Chicago team has a good chance, with solid rosters, solid players.'

Each Series team will play at least 5, perhaps as many as 14.

'I've watched the A-Division players and some, er, most of those players are incredible, amazing to watch,' Malm said.

Here's a look at Chicago's participants in the annual Gay World Series:

A-DIVISION

Team: Sidetrack Stampede

Key player: Brian Redar

B-DIVISION

Team: Hamburger Mary's Cougars

Key Player: Danny Tag

C-DIVISION

Team: Buck U's

Key Player: Mike Hendricks