Just out., August 16, 2002, Page 59, Image 59

1fl. 2002
11
ortland’s Mad Dogs are going into World Series 2002
in the enviable first-place spot of the Rose City Soft-
ball Associations Womens Alternative division. One
of three R C SA teams to qualify in that division, the
Dogs were neck and neck with Unleash Yourself but ultimately
garnered a top standing based on runs scored differentiation.
The Mad Dogs have been in the gay and lesbian league
since its inception eight years ago. Up until this year, they were
sponsored by player and coach Jae Larsen’s Mad Dog Construc­
tion. Needing some relief of expenses and time, Larsen handed
over sponsorship to the Egyptian Club.
The Mad Dogs
are upbeat, hip
and ready to kick butt
BY JULI ROXX
’m a softball-playing girl myself, feeling like a cornered cat
at a Hawthorne coffee shop talking with three Mad Dog
bitches (hey, it’s a politically correct dog term) about their
|L 8-3 league season record, their 13-5 overall record and the
upcoming World Series.
“ ny left is Carrie “Gunny” Gundermann, left-center
field; across the table is Cimber “The Maniac”
Dahlstrom, second base; and on my right is Noelle
Coach Jae Larsen gives a mean motivational speech
“Barfly” Buckley, right-center field.
This is not the Dogs’ first World Series, but it’s
exclaims that she’s offered up her bedroom to house one of the
t Portland’s first, and the teammates are obviously
visiting women’s teams. “I have a brass fireman’s pole from my
excited about the prospect of having it right here in
bedroom to the dungeon,” she feels compelled to share.
river city and being so well represented by three fine
But seriously, folks. All three women are volunteering to
women’s teams in the Alternative division. (The
help coordinate the World Series to help seal its place as the
Women’s Competitive division also has a Portland
best in recent memory. “We have developed a deep appreciation
team, Mixed Fruit, on the World Series roster.)
for the World Series tournament from our participation in the
“We are proud of our team and the girls from all
past,” claims Dahlstrom, “and we hope to help make this one in
the teams.” says Gundermann, who’s been with the
Portland a great experience.”
Dogs for six years now and remains one of their two
power hitters. “The level of competition in the league
he Dogs’ goal all year has been to make it to the series.
was excellent, and we had a great time this year.”
Now their goal is to make it to the final game Aug. 24.
And the good times are still rolling for those top
The softballers say winning a division championship is
teams. “We are excited and honored to be one of the
not always realistic because some extremely talented and domi­
Portland teams playing in the World Series,” Gunder­
nant teams always qualify and show up ready to win.
mann adds. “It’s an amazing event.”
Having lost six players from last year, the Dogs were sweating
No one’s arguing about that. Buckley, an R C SA
a little at the beginning of the season. “We struggled at first,”
V women’s division commissioner and organizer of the first-
admits Gundermann, “then surprised ourselves and jelled.”
ever Chick Magnet Classic, notes: “It’s huge. Gay people
They’ve been practicing every week on Portland ball fields
coming from all over the country with many, many girls.” She
and hitting the batting cages. Gundermann slips, revealing their
pauses before adding “and many, many boys, too.”
secret weapon: “Coach Larsen has been giving us lots of emo­
Although it may be heaven with all the girls staying at the
tional motivational speeches.”
Hilton, it will be hell on the fields with dykes spitting fire, kick­
“We’ve got a great team,” asserts Dahlstrom, “and 1 have a
ing up dirt and hitting rockets.
feeling we are going to do well in the tournament.”
“Playing softball for the Mad Dogs is both serious, fun and
The Mad Dogs’ best previous World Series finish was fourth
absolutely competitive,” states Dahlstrom. “Competitiveness has
place in the Alternative division four years ago in Atlanta.
been with me as long as I remember.” Hmm, what a dyke shock­
Being Portland representatives in other years has given them
er that is. I have to ask if she thinks it’s in her genes.
contacts and friendships from around the United States.
Buckley laughs and says Dahlstrom doesn’t wear jeans unless
“Our league has grown in eight years from one field for
they’re too tight, and is soon joined by Gundermann in razzing
games to four fields...playing simultaneously,” says Buckley.
Dahlstrom about her signature ’80s look— leg warmers and off-
“The series is a great chance to show our friends across the
the-shoulder sweatshirts. And I thought the “Maniac” moniker
country a great time.
was her playing style.
Once they get started, it’s hard to stop them. I find out that
JULI ROXX is an over-the'hill athlete who received a full college sports
“Do It Diggie Style” is their favorite cheer, and Gundermann
scholarship to play ball, but she learned to write instead.
T
"in
%
It’s a dog-eat-dog
World Series,
and the Mad Dogs
are ready for it
*