Just out., May 18, 2007, Page 39, Image 39

St|O.Uti39
sports
Bases Loaded
Rose City Softball Association sees
record increase in new members
by Maria Callahan
he Rose City Softball Association’s spring
season is in full swing already, and it’s the
perfect time for rookies to play hall.
“There are no official umpires during
spring season, so it’s a great opportunity for
new players to get out and scrimmage with a little
less pressure,” says Tim Bias, commissioner of the
league’s open division.
Founded in Portland 13 years ago, the league saw
a record increase in new members this year, with the
addition of 80 players. Bias believes this boost is
because of a higher-quality marketing campaign led
by advertising chairman Jake Packer. He adds that
the North American Gay Amateur Athletic
Alliance’s 2002 decision to add a less competitive
recreational division “has definitely had impact in
encouraging new people of all athletic abilities."
The league plans to continue seeking new mem­
bers by hosting information tables at events such as
Portland Pride 2007. It will also host activities such
as New Player Day, to be held shortly after Pride.
When asked about notable teams or players in
the league, Bias smiles as he describes a Cinderella
story about the Bella Boys, a group of “ragtag indi­
viduals” that formed in 2002 and went on to finish
first in its division for the past two seasons.
“At spring training, teams watch players in
action and choose new players for their team,” says
David Martinez, Bella Boys team manager. “When
no one picked us three, I kept telling myself that
some of the teams are already full, and that's why
Team sponsor Terri Popejoy sits under several of
the Bella Boys* trophies, a testimony to all of
their hard work.
we didn’t get chosen. Three of us then decided to
start our own team.”
The team’s sponsor is Terri Popejoy, owner of
Bella Casa Realty. Popejoy, who had played softball
in the ’80s and sponsored the Lesbian Community
Project’s annual Player’s Choice softball tourna­
ment in the past, was eager to help.
“Our goal the first year was to not come in last
place, and we ended the season at second to last,”
Martinez says. “The following year, we took third
in the D division.”
The Bella Boys’ goals for this season are to play
in the gay softball world series for a third time and
to defend their first-place status in their division.
When asked for the secret of their success,
Martinez says: “We have the advantage of knowing
each other. Everyone comes back. In the last two
years, we haven’t needed any more players."
This year the Bella Boys decided to kick-start
a new team, the Thundercats, sponsored by Realtor
Celia Lyon, “because we don’t have room for any­
one else," Martinez says. “The new team consists of
16 people, all brand new to softball."
Martinez holds high hopes for the new team,
recalling the Bella Boys’ rough start. “In the begin­
ning, some of our players had major sports phobias,
and they’ve evolved into great softball players.”
Popejoy adds: “When it comes down to it,
I really sponsor for the love of the game. I think
that the RCSA is a great association, that it’s
a great idea to sponsor a team and that it’s great for
the entire community.”
The league features teams of all levels of com­
petition, and some are competitive. The Egyptian
Club sponsors the Masterbatters, a team defending
its first-place title in the women’s division. Division
commissioner Carrie Gundermann plays with the
team, which has a reputation for excellence.
“Winning isn’t necessarily a team goal, but the
players on our team are all really gixxl,” she admits.
“Our goal is to have fun, and we like to have fun
playing well together.”
R.E. Szego explains how she got involved with
the league: “I went to Gay Skate last year, and
RCSA was tabling. On a whim I said, ‘Yeah, soft-
ball would be fun.’ ”
Although she was a competing gymnast through
high school, Szego had never played ball. At spring
training day, she had a crash course in softball,
listened to the team managers’ descriptions of their
teams and decided that the Outlaws were for her.
Szego played right field for the women’s division team
last season and “aspires" to play right center this year.
Voted Most Improved Player by her team, she
says: “People were really nice when 1 told them that
I didn’t have any experience. I was flattered to find
out that 1 had been voted M.l.P. 1 had no idea that
was going to happen.”
Excited to be playing again this year, Szego
hopes to partake in more team-sponsored events.
“Last year, I didn’t get to attend too many events
because most of them were held in smoky bars. 1 see
the potential socially, and 1 hope to do more with
my team this year.”
As for words of encouragement for those think­
ing about playing, she says: “I get lots of tips from
fellow players and our team manager, Wendi Kali.
Softball is fun, and people should come out and
play. It isn’t scary, even when we get creamed." ®
R ose C ity S oftball A ssociation games are
played at Gordon Faber Recreational Complex,
4450 N.W. 229th Ave. in Hillsboro. Admission is
free, and the family-friendly stadium features a large
children's play area. Support the organization by
entering a raffle during Gay Skate Night presented by
Just Out from 7 to 9 p.m. May 21 at Oaks Park,
1 S.E. Spokane St. Admission is $5 plus canned food
items for Esther’s Pantry. For more information
about how you can watch or play softball at all levels
of competition, visit www.rosecitysoftball.org.
M aria C allahan is a certified personal trainer and
group fitness instructor who can be reached at
www.mariacallahan.net.
FAQs
Tim Bias, commissioner of the Rose City
Softball Association’s open division, answers some
frequently asked questions.
Is it too late to join a team?
No, not during spring season. Many of the
teams might be full already, but go to the Web site
or inquire with the team managers directly to find
out. Regular season starts July 15. You will probably
not be able to join a team at that time.
Is it expensive to play?
You’ll need a $55 player fee, a glove, cleats and
a cup where applicable. Depending on how much
money your team’s sponsor contributes, you might
also need to purchase a hat, shirt or uniform. Some
of the more competitive teams travel, and players
on those teams might need to make arrangements
with employers and consider the financial impact,
should they miss work because of a game.
Can an individual sponsor a team?
Yes, any person or business can sponsor a team.
Decide which team you want to sponsor, and
contact the league. The minimum needed to regis­
ter a team is $350. You can purchase T-shirts and
hats for your team for around $500, but more
money will be needed if you wish to purchase
uniforms. Competitive teams, in need of uniforms
and travel expenses, can require as much as $3,000
to $5,000 a season. Remember that sponsorship
offers a tax deduction, as the Rose City Softball
Association is a 501(c)4 organization. It is also
possible to co-sponsor a team or have fund-raising
events to offset costs.
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