GSWS 2021

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8 COMPETE 2021 GSWS Special Edition

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This special Player’s Guide issue of Compete Magazine was created in partnership with GSWS. If your organization produces or hosts a run, tournament, sports festival, awards ceremony or other type of event, please contact Compete today to find out how we can partner to produce a high-quality issue unique to your organization and its special events. Send us an email at publications@competesportsdiversity.com

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Welcome to Columbus At Capital University Law School, we are PROUD of our longstanding history of inclusiveness and providing access to the legal profession for underrepresented groups. We are fully committed to preparing diverse graduates who are well-trained to serve the evolving needs of all communities nationwide. onwide.

CapLaw wishes all the Gay Softball World Series teams success on the road to victory.

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14....THANK YOU SPONSORS 22.... WELCOME FROM GSWS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 27.... WELCOME FROM GREATER COLUMBUS SPORTS COMMISSION 29.... WELCOME FROM THE CITY OF COLUMBUS 31.... WELCOME FROM FRANKLIN BOARD OF COMMISIONERS 33.... WELCOME FROM COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL 35.... WELCOME FROM EXPERIENCE COLUMBUS 38.... BILLY BEAN, MLB VP, SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE COMMISSIONER 42....NAGAAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS 43....NAGAAA COMMISIONER WELCOME 44....SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 45.... GSWS COLUMBUS BOARD OF DIRECTORS 46.... FIELD MAP & DIRECTIONS 48.... BUILDING CONNECTIONS & POSITIVE MENTAL HEALTH 52....UMPIRE LIST 55....NAGAAA HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES 56....NAGAAA HALL OF FAME MEMBERS 66....PAST GSWS CHAMPIONS 70....NAGAAA MEMBER CITIES 72....CHARITY BENEFIT EVENT

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14 COMPETE 2021 GSWS Special Edition

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16 COMPETE 2021 GSWS Special Edition

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WELCOME FROM GSWS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Welcome to the 2021 NAGAAA Gay Softball World Series and Columbus, Ohio!

For many of you, you’re returning to our city. Welcome home! If this is your first time visiting, we hope you enjoy the time you spend here.

It was over 3 years ago this journey began for our Host Committee, and we had no idea what was ahead of us. Having successfully hosted the GSWS twice previously, we felt confident then. We knew what it took to be successful. We had ideas. We had a plan. We had a team. We were ready…or so we thought.

And then COVID happened.

Just as COVID disrupted all of our lives, it threw our then 2020 GSWS planning into a tailspin. As you can imagine, postponing that World Series for a year while the right decision - left us with much uncertainty, forced us to wipe the board clean and begin again. Everything we knew about hosting this week-long event went out the window, and we had to start fresh.

Back in 2018, we decided our tag line for this World Series would be More Than A Game. We didn’t understand then how the pandemic would expand the symbolism of our brand. While we knew about the relationships that extend well beyond the ball field and the role softball plays in helping people find their support system and chosen families, we underestimated how much our NAGAAA family depends on softball as part of their mental health strategy.

It seems appropriate that we decided to partner with the Trevor Project internationally and Kaleidoscope Youth Center locally to expand our understanding of the mental health issues facing the LGBTQIA+ community and promote programs that better prepare our community to recognize and respond to individuals who may need greater support. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the US Department of Health and Human Services, suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people ages 10-24. Moreover, LGBTQIA+ youth seriously contemplate suicide at almost three times the rate of heterosexual youth.

We can impact these numbers. The CDC's National Youth Risk Behavior Survey identified that regular exercise decreased suicidal thoughts by 23%. Additionally, the opportunity to create positive relationships and be part of a team has a positive impact on the reduction of suicide attempts. In short, softball can save lives.

The impact of LGBTQIA+ softball leagues was never clearer than when our member cities were forced to modify or cancel their regular seasons because of COVID or when NAGAAA had to decide whether to postpone the 2020 Gay Softball World Series. We heard from many of you on both sides of the decision.

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The one thing that was shared across the continuum of perspectives was that you not only wanted a GSWS, but also needed it.

The GSWS has become more than a game, more than a tournament, more than a competition. The Gay Softball World Series has become for many of you a part of your mental health strategy and support system.

While it has been challenging, we’re extremely proud to welcome you back to the GSWS and our city.

We’re also proud of our community. Their financial support traditionally has allowed us to present events that have continued to raise the bar for the GSWS. Bars and restaurants have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic, so we were reluctant to ask for their financial support this year. However, giving back is part of the Columbus way, and our local and national businesses have really stepped up to the plate. We couldn’t do this event without them.

Dallas Aldridge, Gay Softball World Series (GSWS) 2021 Executive Director

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WELCOME FROM GREATER COLUMBUS SPORTS COMMISSION

Aug. 30 – Sept. 4, 2021 Welcome to Columbus, NAGAAA Gay Softball World Series staff and participants!

On behalf of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission and our dedicated Local Organizing Committee, we are thrilled be hosting you once again in Columbus at the world-class Berliner Sports Park facility.

Columbus has a long history of hosting a wide variety of sporting events at the amateur, collegiate and professional levels, including the NAGAAA Gay Softball World Series. As you may remember from 2010 and 2015, Columbus is committed to creating a memorable championship starting the moment you arrive in the city. From the Opening Ceremonies to the Awards Presentation, our community will do all that we can to provide an unforgettable experience for athletes and fans.

Throughout your event schedule, be sure to explore the five downtown neighborhoods that make our destination unique. Columbus offers world-class shopping, restaurants and attractions all within walking distance from headquarter hotels and event locations. I know our entire community looks forward to showing you the open and welcoming energy in Columbus.

The NAGAAA Gay Softball World Series truly represents the passion, collaboration and dynamic spirit of Columbus. We are also proud of the World Series legacy projects that continue to benefit us long after the final games are played.

We hope you enjoy your experience and thank you again for returning to our city. Good luck this

week!

Sincerely,

Linda Shetina Logan Executive Director Greater Columbus Sports Commission

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WELCOME FROM THE CITY OF COLUMBUS

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

Aug. 30 – Sept. 4, 2021 Welcome to the 2021 NAGAAA Gay Softball World Series! It is my pleasure to help recognize and celebrate the return of this wonderful tradition to Ohio’s capital city.

The Gay Softball World Series is a premier event for our community, one that showcases incredible talent, grit and spirit. As a dynamic and inclusive destination, Columbus couldn’t be happier to host the world’s largest gay sporting event for the third time in 11 years.

Our residents and businesses take great pride in offering an affordable and accessible experience, including a scenic and walkable downtown. As you explore the area, be sure to visit all of our distinctive entertainment and retail districts, each with a diverse array of restaurants, shops, art galleries and more. I am confident you will feel at home and have a memorable stay in Columbus.

Once again, welcome back – and good luck in your competitions!

Sincerely,

Andrew J. Ginther Mayor, City of Columbus

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WELCOME FROM FRANKLIN BOARD OF COMMISIONERS

Aug. 30- Sept. 4, 2021

Welcome! It is a privilege to host the 2021 North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance (NAGAAA) Gay Softball World Series (GSWS) in our city.

Franklin County is a dynamic and growing destination known for being welcoming, smart and open. As home to Ohio’s capital and the country’s 14th largest city – Columbus – we are cool, creative and fun. We’ve also been ranked “Highest in Visitor Satisfaction in the Midwest” by J.D. Power. We’re also proud to say we’ve been recognized for being safe, great for solo and LGBTQ+ travelers and a top city for human rights.

Events like this, in which not only our hospitality community but also many ancillary nonprofit groups benefit from them happening, are ideal for cities like ours, and we’re proud to be partners in ensuring success for all parties.

We want you to feel at home in Columbus and I have no doubt you will have an incredible experience this week. I look forward to seeing how community collaboration, teamwork and athleticism shine in the coming days.

Sincerely,

Kevin Boyce President Franklin County Board of Commissioners __ Commissioners John O’Grady Kevin L. Boyce Erica C. Crawley

__ 373 South High Street 26th Floor Columbus, Ohio 43215 __ t_ 614 525 3322 f_ 614 525 3300 commissioners.franklincountyohio.gov

SERVICE | PROGRESS | EXCELLENCE

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WELCOME FROM COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL

Aug. 30 – Sept. 4, 2021

Welcome to Columbus!

We’re so excited to welcome NAGAAA’s Gay Softball World Series back to Columbus!

There’s a palpable energy here that will hit you as soon as you arrive. Not only is Columbus one of the TripAdvisor’s “Cool State Capitals That Also Happen to Be Great Places to Visit,” it’s also an open and welcoming community that continually scores a perfect 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index. As the President of Columbus City Council and an openly gay man, I am dedicated to keeping Columbus a top LGBTQ+ inclusive city.

The city is booming. Few places can keep you so busy and entertained as Columbus, with its vibrant blend of arts and culture, dining, fashion, music and sports. Our flourishing downtown, lively urban entertainment districts and variety of renowned visitor attractions invite exploration.

We’re the fastest growing city in the Midwest. We’re committed to growing the right way and ensuring everyone has a place here.

Across the city, our arms are open in warm hospitality and I’m sure you’re going to have an incredible time.

Yours in service,

Shannon Hardin President

SHANNON G. HARDIN, PRESIDENT | ELIZABETH C. BROWN | MITCHELL J. BROWN ROB DORANS | SHAYLA D. FAVOR | EMMANUEL V. REMY | PRISCILLA R. TYSON CITY CLERK | ANDREA BLEVINS, CMC

City Hall | 90 West Broad Street | Second Floor | Columbus OH 43215 | T (614) 645.7380 | F (614) 645.6164 | columbuscitycouncil.org

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WELCOME FROM EXPERIENCE COLUMBUS

Aug. 30 – Sept. 4, 2021

Welcome (back) to Columbus!

What a tremendous honor it is to be able to host the NAGAAA Gay Softball World Series in Columbus for the third time in 11 years!

If you’re a returning player, you already know that Ohio’s capital offers dynamic arts and events, top-ranked visitor attractions, innovative culinary offerings, uniquely vibrant neighborhoods, exciting sports and an open, welcoming spirit.

Your headquarters at Berliner Sports Park offer you prime access to one of our city’s most charming neighborhoods – German Village. The South High Street corridor is home to several LGBTQ establishments, some of which offer a glimpse into the dive-bar scene of previous decades. Don’t let your trip end without grabbing a drink at Club Diversity or a bite on the idyllic Barcelona Restaurant patio.

No matter where you’re staying in the city, you’ll have easy access to all the amerninties – food, drink, nightlife, entertainment and shopping – you can imagine. Head to the Short North Arts District, where you’ll find outstanding restaurants, unique boutiques and galleries, and cool places to grab a locally roasted coffee or craft beer and just hang out. In the Arena District, you’ll find more great dining and entertainment, including the home of Columbus’ Triple-A baseball team The Columbus Clippers at Huntington Park, and the new home of 2020 MLS Cup Champions Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field.

Stop by our visitor center in the Arena District at any time or visit www.experiencecolumbus.com or outincbus.com to learn more about Columbus’ top attractions, restaurants, nightlife, LGBTQ offerings, neighborhoods and events taking place during your visit.

Sincerely,

Brian Ross, CTA President and CEO

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OUR LINEUP IS STACKED Create your own Mediterranean-style sandwich or salad with organic greens and vegetables and antibiotic-free meats.

Available for dine-in, curbside pick-up, and delivery.

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Special Thanks to NAGAAA’s Partners for all their support!

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BILLY BEAN, MLB VP, SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE COMMISSIONER

BILLY BEAN, MLB VP, SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE COMMISSIONER Billy Bean serves at MLB as Vice-President & Special Assistant to the Commissioner. As a senior advisor to Commissioner Manfred, his role focuses on player education, LGBTQ inclusion, and social justice initiatives. Among his responsibilities, Bean works with MLB’s 30 clubs to advance equality for all players, coaches, managers, umpires, employees, and stakeholders throughout baseball to ensure an equitable, inclusive, and supportive workplace for everyone.

On July 14, 2014, Bean was announced as Major League Baseball’s first-ever Ambassador for Inclusion. He played in the Major Leagues from 1987-1995. Bean broke into the big leagues with the Detroit Tigers, and tied a major-league record with four hits in his first game. He went on to play for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres. Bean was a two-time “All-America” outfielder at Loyola Marymount University before graduating with a degree in Business Administration.

During the 1986 season Bean led the Lions to a midseason #1 national ranking and a berth into the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska. He was selected valedictorian of his graduating class at Santa Ana High School.

Billy is a member of the MLB Owner’s D, E & I Committee and was instrumental in the development of MLB’s bullying prevention education programming, MLB’s ‘Ahead in the Count’ education program, and elevating the visibility of MLB’s mental wellness resources. He is the author of the book, “Going the Other Way,” and one of the most sought after keynote speakers in professional sports.

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Meet Your Board of Directors!

John Deffee Jeff Sloan Tim Clancy Tonya Vaughn Sam Lehman Nate Smith Ron Frank

Commissioner Athle�c Director Treasurer Secretary Partnerships Director Compe��on Director Opera�ons Director

Pictured Left to Right: Nate Smith, Jeff Sloan, Tim Clancy, Sam Lehman, Tonya Vaughn, John Deffee, and Ron Frank.

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42 COMPETE 2021 GSWS Special Edition

WELCOME

More than just another big so�ball tournament…

Ask anyone who has ever a�ended the NAGAAA Gay So�ball World Series (GSWS) in the past and you will hear, it’s more than just a big so�ball compe��on. Although the 2021 NAGAAA GSWS will set a record for most teams in a�endance (235 teams and over 3,750 players and coaches), the event doesn’t feel like just another big so�ball tournament. It is the largest LGBT single-sport, week-long, annual event in the world to the outside world, but to us, it’s a homecoming and a chance to spend a week with friends. For many, it is about playing, not winning. NAGAAA a�racts many types of players, from those who played organized baseball/so�ball in school, those who might be interested in par�cipa�ng in a sport and never dared to do it, or those who feared they wouldn’t be good enough. But once they play and discover their “inner athlete," they experience the fun of playing in tournaments and realize Gay So�ball is an amazing sport. The experience can erase that old message that said: “If you were gay you were less than. Less than a teammate. Less than an athlete. Less than human.” Playing in the World Series is great fun. But to do it with people who have the same background as you, and maybe shared a similar story of struggle, is what separates a NAGAAA tournament from other so�ball compe��ons.

It has its big moments, including an “Olympic style” Opening Ceremony with 47-member associa�ons’ flags being presented, sponsors and local officials speaking from the stage, food, beverages and live entertainment all to kick off the week of events and tournament play. And s�ll, teams travel from all over the US and Canada to par�cipate in the annual GSWS for the opportunity to be with athle�c, like-minded people and play in a safe and welcoming tournament. It even has its big-name brands like; Monsta Athle�cs, Molson Coors, Nike, MLB, NBA, NGLCC, LPGA and many others, that have con�nued to step up in support of NAGAAA and our marquee event — the annual GSWS. We welcome our Columbus partners; Beam Suntory, White Claw, Red Bull and Greater Columbus Sports Commission. The biggest surprise from our partners when they a�end the GSWS is the impact they have made on our local and interna�onal communi�es and the loyalty that comes with it. No ma�er how big our event gets, the Gay So�ball World Series is a welcoming place for people to feel included for who they are and play some great so�ball, too. For most of our par�cipants and fans, Columbus will be our last summer vaca�on des�na�on. Columbus will reunite old friends, build stronger bonds with chosen families, and form new friendships.

Welcome to all who have traveled to be at the 2021 NAGAAA GSWS — from first �mers to repeat compe�tors. I promise…you will be unexpectedly surprised at how well the tournament is run, how entertaining the events are, and how welcoming the city of Columbus is to our NAGAAA players and fans.

Your con�nued support of gay so�ball makes all of us shine with pride!

John Deffee, NAGAAA Commissioner

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS SPONSOR BAR EVENT August 29

TEAM DINNER AND BAR PARTNER EVENTS September 2

Axis

Please check lobby kiosk and player guide for all of our partners and events

OPENING CEREMONIES August 30

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS September 3

4 pm – 9 pm Columbus Commons

Berliner Sports Park

HALL OF FAME DINNER – INDUCTIONS OF THE CLASSES OF 2020 AND 2021 August 31

Sponsor Bar Event: District West

CHAMPIONSHIP SATURDAY September 4

6 pm - 11 pm Hilton Ballroom

Berliner Sports Complex

PRIDE NIGHT WITH THE COLUMBUS CLIPPERS August 31

CLOSING CEREMONIES STREET PARTY September 4

6:15 pm Huntington Park

4 pm – 12 am High St. (between Broad St. and Spring St.)

CHARITY BENEFIT EVENT September 1 7pm - 11pm Express Live (Outdoor) Supporting The Trevor Project and Kaleidoscope Youth Center in Columbus – Hosted by Nina West, featuring… Asia O’Hare, Virginia West, Anisa Love, Dominique Sanchez, The West Family of Performers, DJ Joe Pacheco and many more….

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Hosted by Virginia West featuring DJ Guy Sheiman, Raven, Anisa Love, Axel Andrews, Simone Denny, The Fabulous Johnson Brothers and more…..

44 COMPETE 2021 GSWS Special Edition

GSWS COLUMBUS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

GSWS – COLUMBUS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dallas Aldridge

Micheal Carroll Marketing &

Executive Director

Sam Schisler Events –

Communications

Partnerships, Events,

Mike Asher Finance

Charity, Et.Al.

Tim Boyer

Project Manager

Partnerships / Events

Ken Kapaun

Field Operations

Jason Owen Events

Keith Speers

Special Projects

David Twigger

Tom Vaughan

Special Projects

Chad Pritchard

Expo / Events

Robert York Entertainment /

Joe Stefanko

Robbie Younkman Volunteers

Events

Adrian Garcia Volunteers

Opening Ceremonies

Andy North Volunteers Jimmy Ryan

QPR Coordinator

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FIELD MAP & DIRECTIONS Berliner Sports Complex

Columbus hosts the finest softball park in the nation, Berliner Sports Complex. Located just south of downtown, Berliner is easily accessible from any part of the city. For your convenience, you can find general directions to the Complex below: From the Host Hotels: Take High St. south through downtown.

Turn right onto Greenlawn Ave. Proceed over the bridge until you arrive at Berliner on your left.

On 9/4/21 (Championship Saturday), High Street will be closed between Spring St. and Broad St. As a result, you will need to take an alternate route to get to Berliner Sports Complex.

From the host hotels, take High St. S to Spring St. Take a left on Spring St. Take it a block to 3rd St. Turn right on 3rd St. Continue on 3rd St. until you pass the Capital Building and arrive at State St. Turn right on State St. Go one block to High St. Turn left on High St. headed south and continue until you arrive at Greenlawn Ave. Continue on Greenlawn Ave. over the bridge until you reach Berliner Sports Complex on your left.

From South of the City: Take 71 N to Greenlawn Ave. (exit 105) Turn right (east) on Greenlawn Ave. Proceed until you arrive at Berliner on your right.

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FIELD MAP & DIRECTIONS

www.CompeteNetwork.com

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BUILDING CONNECTIONS & POSITIVE MENTAL HEALTH

BUILDING CONNECTIONS & POSITIVE MENTAL HEALTH Jim Olive-Liebhart remembers the revelatory experience of his first year of playing in the Columbus Lesbian and Gay Softball Association’s (CLGSA) summer league.

“In the league, we interacted with each other in daylight. We could function like normal people, out in the sun, and it was healthy,” notes Jim. “The league was the first gay organization I joined when I was young and still kind of going through the coming out process, so it was crucial.”

Jim is a 47-year-old gay man, husband to Jason and a father of two beautiful kids who light up his Facebook feed. He is also a softball player and a suicide attempt survivor.

Elements of his story aren’t uncommon. Jim understood he was gay – though he didn’t have a word for it – at a young age. He remembers crushing on the gym teacher in his elementary school. But he grew up “very Christian”- that elementary school was a Christian school. He attended Christian summer camps. He and his mom went to church almost every Sunday. His extended family was Christian. The brand of Christianity that surrounded him was not LGBTQ-friendly.

Jim’s earliest conscious recognition that his attractions were not acceptable came courtesy of that same gym teacher.

“I remember I did something in class one day, and he pulled me aside and said, ‘What the hell are you, a little faggot?’”

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Jim recalls. “Because of the feelings I was feeling in the moment, the association was pretty quickly attached with, ‘Ok, if you like boys, this is clearly not a good thing.’”

Noelle Kiwas also knew at a young age that she wasn’t like other kids. A 59-yearold transgender woman, Noelle spent her childhood in Orange County, California.

Noelle is also a softball player and a suicide attempt survivor.

“Growing up, I knew I was different. I didn’t know how different until I got older,” says Noelle. “I just thought I was the freakish kid who didn’t fit in anywhere. Ever since I was six years old, I thought I should have been a girl. I felt like a girl all my life.”

To survive the pervasive and consistent homophobic and transphobic trauma from their family members, schools, and communities, Noelle and Jim responded as most young LGBTQ people in an unsafe world do: they stifled their feelings well into their teens.

“I had to kind of pretend like I was somebody else and just keep quiet,” Noelle recalls.

Noelle dove into music and, later, dance. Jim committed himself to Christianity.

“I recognized that hey, I am gay, and it’s really, really bad,” says Jim. “I started throwing myself big time into religion, praying over and over and over again, doing everything you possibly can in order

48 COMPETE 2021 GSWS Special Edition

BUILDING CONNECTIONS & POSITIVE MENTAL HEALTH to fix this horrible thing that is broken in “There was one night it clicked that you.”

I’m not changing, and no matter what I do, When evangelist Billy Graham it’s not gonna change,” Jim recollects. “So, traveled to Columbus to deliver a sermon what the fuck do I do now?” at the original site of Clippers Stadium, Jim considers himself “very lucky” to Jim “jumped on the bandwagon” to be part have survived his attempt. Immediately of the youth choir and immerse himself in after, he went to Shana’s and told Shana the event. and her mother what happened.

In their late teens, Noelle and Jim each “That night it was kind of like, found a few people with whom they could enough’s enough,” Jim notes. “You’re begin to share who either going to have to “I got a call from try again or it’s time they were.

“One of my to start accepting who somebody from friends was a cousin the San Jose gay you are and the reality who I occasionally of what that means.” softball league. hung out with, and Transitioning So, I went out and to college provided for some reason, I tried out with a felt I was fairly safe opportunities for with him. We were Jim to get out in the bunch of other both into music community and meet people,” Noelle reflects. “I saw and that kind of other LGBTQ people. that there were other people like stuff,” says Noelle.

But, that led to his me there, and from then on, I “We were doing mother asking him if started feeling way better about something outside he was a “practicing of school, we did homosexual.” When myself. I was getting good at the like a car rally or positions I was playing, and I liked Jim answered yes, she something, and I basically disowned playing with a bunch of different felt like I could him. Attempts to people.”

Noelle talk to him. He reconcile with her in didn’t really think his young adult years anything of it. He was like ok, that’s fine, led nowhere and, combined with other let’s go do this car rally.” life events, increased his contemplation of Jim’s confidante was a new coworker suicide. who led the way.

Noelle first attempted suicide during “She and I had been working together,” her college years. Noelle had come out as notes Jim. “The first day we met each gay to a few more people, including some other, she came up and said something of her older brother’s “fairly progressive” like, ‘My name is Shana. How long have friends, but still hadn’t fully acknowledged you been gay?’” The two became fast her trans identity, even to herself, noting friends – a relationship that’s sustained for that most groups and organizations, even more than three decades. on college campuses, were “gay and lesJim attempted suicide when he was bian” in name at the time and the B, T, and nearly 18.

Q of LGBTQ weren’t really recognized.

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BUILDING CONNECTIONS & POSITIVE MENTAL HEALTH At a dance performance in college – just call her up and say, It’s time for an oil she would go on to dance professionally change.” for 12 years – Noelle found herself in tears Jim adds that stigma around mental at the back of the stage. health issues, while lessening, is still “I was just crying my eyes out; I was a barrier to individuals seeking mental just bawling, and I’m not sure why,” health services. recalls Noelle. “So, I looked over to the “I think a lot of people don’t want to other side of the theatre, and there was a admit that they need [therapy],” Jim says. girl there that was doing the exact same “They may not understand it, and that’s thing. I looked at her and I was like, ‘Why so unfortunate, because if you find a legit are you crying?,’ and she was like, ‘Why good therapist, that individual will help are you crying?.’ We both said, ‘I don’t guide you along.” know why I’m crying.’”

He adds that while friendships are The pair shared valuable, they aren’t “The league was tremendously a supportive hug a substitute for helpful for me. I was able to see and went back to therapy. their performance. “[Therapy] is that there were different types of They maintained different than friendgay men. I realized there’s a whole their fateful conship. They’re trained spectrum,” he says. “Going on nection after that to deal with this through life, the league has kind of emotional evening, stuff,” he notes. “My been a rock in many ways.” sharing classes and friends, they just conversation. love me to death and Noelle eventuwant to help me.” ally moved from Southern California to Jim also emphasizes the importance of Humboldt County, then to the Bay Area. medication within the context of mental In the ensuing years, she had significant health care. relationships with four different gay men “Medication is a godsend. As you and struggled to understand why none of are traumatized as a child, your literal them worked. She also survived a second brain chemistry changes, the formation of suicide attempt after her last relationship your brain changes,” he explains. “When with a gay man ended. we look at depression, it is a physical Both Jim and Noelle accessed circumstance, no different than diabetes or professional mental health care to aid heart disease. If I’ve got diabetes or heart their mental health. Noelle began seeing a disease, why the hell would I not take therapist when she lived in the Bay Area. medication in order to help my body in “I was so depressed that I felt like I needed order to be healthier. There is no differto talk to somebody,” she says. ence. There’s this stigma about taking “I’ve been in therapy since 1994. I anti-depressants or taking other medicacannot speak more highly of therapy,” Jim tions. There shouldn’t be.” notes. “I say it’s like an oil change. I’ll Both Jim and Noelle extol the role go for a couple months where things are softball has played in their mental health rolling, then some shit will go down. I’ll and building connections with others, a

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50 COMPETE 2021 GSWS Special Edition

BUILDING CONNECTIONS & POSITIVE MENTAL HEALTH key component of positive mental health.

Noelle began playing in the Silicon Valley Gay Softball League in 2000.

“I got a call from somebody from the San Jose gay softball league. So, I went out and tried out with a bunch of other people,” Noelle reflects. “I saw that there were other people like me there, and from then on, I started feeling way better about myself. I was getting good at the positions I was playing, and I liked playing with a bunch of different people.”

Noelle went on to transfer to the San Francisco Gay Softball League, where she played until her move to Columbus almost a year ago. Throughout that time, she still did not recognize her trans identity, but still found camaraderie and community in the LGBTQ leagues.

Jim has the same sentiments. He even met his husband through playing in CLGSA. “The league was tremendously helpful for me. I was able to see that there were different types of gay men. I realized there’s a whole spectrum,” he says. “Going on through life, the league has kind of been a rock in many ways.”

Noelle came full circle in understanding her identify in just the last few years.

On a trip to London in 2016, she explored her identity more fully than she ever had and returned to the U.S. with a growing recognition that she is trans. That led to an epiphany about why her relationships with gay men didn’t work out.

“So yeah, it took a long time to figure this out, figure out who and what I was,” Noelle acknowledges. “It wasn’t anything about me or them; it was just we weren’t compatible. Because of the way I am, it never was going to work out, no matter what I did.”

Noelle adds that she’s in contact with three of her four exes, and when she came out to them as trans, they understood, too.

“They got it,” she notes.

Noelle says softball fits into her life philosophy to stay connected – another protective factor against suicide risk – and shares a story about chance connection through the sport.

“One time when I had a group of people practicing, we saw a couple of guys throwing the ball around. We just invited them to play,” she shares. “They weren’t gay. They weren’t anyone we knew. They were just there by themselves. I just said, ‘Hey if you want to play, come on and play. We can always use people.’”

The group – many straight and cisgender – went on to play together multiple times after that impromptu connection, including in an LGBTQ tournament, and they’re still in touch.

“Ten years later we’re all still friends; we see each other on Facebook all the time,” Noelle beams. “We all moved our different ways, but we see each other on Facebook all the time. That makes me feel like I kind of did something for somebody else.”

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE (ALL AGES): 800-273-8255 TREVOR PROJECT (FOR YOUTH): 866-488-7386

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| COMPETE | 51

Umpire Roster Umpire-In-Chief (UIC): John (Bam Bam) Bauters Assistant UICs: Julie Colwell and Donna McElrea SHAWN ALBRITTON ALEX ALEXANDER CHRIS ATWOOD DAWN BALLANTYNE-WILD JOE BALZER PAUL BLASKIS ZACK BRUNO SAM BURGE MICHAEL CARLTON CARLA CASH TONYA CASH WENDELL CAULLEY TIM COFFEY MARCE COLLIE GAYLE COLLINS JUSTIN CONLEY JOE CONRAD REBECCA COOPER JIM DAVIS TERRY DEAN SANDI DIAZ SUSANA (PUP) DORLEY BRIAN DRESSEL GEORGE DUDASKO PATRICK DYSON DAVE EDWARDS JOHN FABING MARC GOFSTEIN MARK GRAUPMANN MARIUS GREENSPAN SAM GUERRA LARRY HAGEMANN KREG HARSHA BRIAN HUBNER KATHY HUSKEY ROBERT JACKSON BILLIE KEEFER RODERICK KING

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ANTHONY KINGSOLVER NEILL KOVRIG BOB KROEGER BRIDGET LAHM MIKE LETENDRE ENOCH LEWIS DOUG MALM DONNA MCGUIRE AL MONKUS NANCY NOMURA DONALD O'BRIEN TERRY O'CLAIR CHRISTOPHER OVERLIE RICHARD PIJPER DAVID QUAGLIARELLO BILL ROBILLARD TIM SABIN CHUCK SAYLOR JONATHON SHAW MIKE SMITH JIM STERN CONNIE STEWART JEFF STEWART STACY STOBO LANNETTE STRANGE ISAIAH TAYLOR KEN TEDFORD BENJAMIN TUCKER PAUL TURNER CHARLES URICH DAVID WAITE CHARLES WATERS LINDA WEBER CAROL WESSEL MIKE WESTLEY HEATHER WILLIAMS TERRENCE WILLIAMS

52 COMPETE 2021 GSWS Special Edition

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54 COMPETE 2021 GSWS Special Edition

Hall of Fame Inductees

Class of 2020 Dallas Aldridge

Jim McNulty

Julie Colwell

Paul Moore

Derek Danton

Kevin Riddle

Kreg Harsha

Richard Segal

Columbus

Boston

Chicago

Kansas City

New York

Nashville

San Diego

Austin

Lawrence Gershberg New York

Class of 2021 Tim Clancy

Carl Sharp

Jeff Hermann

Ken Tedford

Robert Lenahan

Michael Westley

Tom Lovenjack

Barney Winbourne

Atlanta

Chicago

Palm Springs

Toronto

Milwaukee

Philadelphia

Norfolk

Toronto

Robert Schmahl Tampa

www.CompeteNetwork.com

| COMPETE | 55

NAGAAA HALL OF FAME MEMBERS 1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

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Jack McGowan (Deceased) Mark Brown Everett Hedrick (Deceased) Fred Howe (Deceased) Richard Diaz (Deceased) Chuck Dima (Deceased) David Kraemer (Deceased) Jerry Desale Bill Sansom Tom Theis (Deceased) Tom Salzsieder Rick Ritt Nancy Pribich Ken Parks (Deceased) Ron Burbey Dick Hoffman (Deceased) Bill Muldoon David Francis Warren Shepell Ed Visconti J.J. Hendley (Deceased) Jack Parrish (Deceased) Jerry Fitzpatrick (Deceased) Fred Bastida (Deceased) James Flint Gary Staples George Pratt Al Weber Bob Trammell Frank Bostic Steve Sternfeld Tom Vindeed (Deceased) Glen Burke (Deceased) Jim Downey Robert Burnham John Cieplak (Deceased)

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56 COMPETE 2021 GSWS Special Edition

San Francisco San Francisco San Francisco New York New York New York Los Angeles Houston Houston Milwaukee Milwaukee San Francisco Pittsburgh Southern New England Twin Cities Twin Cities Twin Cities Atlanta Toronto Southern New England Philadelphia Los Angeles New York Los Angeles Chicago Boston Toronto Twin Cities Twin Cities Ft. Lauderdale San Francisco San Francisco San Francisco Toronto Boston Chicago

NAGAAA HALL OF FAME MEMBERS 2002

2003

2004 2005

2006

2007

Framan Lewis Edwards Jr. (Deceased) Tommy Garbarino (Deceased) Larry Mistichelli (Deceased) Scott Franklin Homer Alba Rick Brattin (Deceased) Bob Docca Dave Gilliam Don Welsh Greg Troia (Deceased) Ken Johnson Ted Brozowski Beau Hammitt Paul Gedman Gary Brenner Bill Smith Mel Littlejohn Arthur Johnson John Panarace Mike Harwell Robert ‘Lon’ Berger Jim Marks Bob Schwartz Buck Bachman Bill Svetz Matt Miller Tony Prichard Mark Graupmann Bill ‘Woody’ Wood Jim Young Mike Price Will Hartmann Don Kezima Rob McNair Time P. Time Paula Cline

Mid-Atlantic Philadelphia Philadelphia Los Angeles Los Angeles San Francisco San Francisco San Francisco Phoenix Atlanta Twin Cities Southern New England Los Angeles Boston Boston Dallas Los Angeles Chicago New York Houston Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta Boston Boston Dallas Mid-Atlantic Mid-Atlantic Philadelphia Philadelphia Atlanta Atlanta Toronto Toronto Seattle Denver

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| COMPETE | 57

NAGAAA HALL OF FAME MEMBERS 2007

2008

2009

2010

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Arturo Olazabal (Deceased) Cal Steinmetz (Deceased) Mike Groby Jerry Chaffin Ernie Clutter Dominic ‘Nic’ Bacetich Mark Hoover Mark Springer Mike Gray Geoff da Silva Gary Trudeau Ken McNeill Christopher Groomes Guy Haberman Willie Johnson (Deceased) John Pielock Frank Pichinini Scott Kyle (Deceased) Dale Dmitrzak Rich Riccio Bobby Nicholson Phil Runions Sam Coady William Gorman Joe Peltier Mark McGrath Mike Hughes Peter Meyer Herb Muenchow (Deceased) George Biagi Chet St. Clair Paul Falcone Mark Hughes Gary Castro Jack Brannigan Tommy Lee Sherck

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58 COMPETE 2021 GSWS Special Edition

Milwaukee Washington, D.C. San Diego Houston Kansas City Seattle Phoenix Los Angeles San Francisco Toronto Toronto Boston Los Angeles Los Angeles Los Angeles Southern New England Seattle Twin Cities Houston San Diego Chicago Chicago Chicago Boston Boston Boston Milwaukee Chicago Houston San Diego Columbus Ft. Lauderdale Phoenix Los Angeles Toronto San Francisco

NAGAAA HALL OF FAME MEMBERS 2011

2012

2013

2014

Chuck Burlinham (Deceased) David Lerma Roy Melani Gary Carter Mike Crocker Jim Szakacs Mike Travers Rob Papa Jeff Schoonover William (Whitey) Whitehurst John G. Skoubis Dan Schaefer Matthew V. Bittner (Deceased) John “JT” Thomas Wayne (Gator) Guethlein Scott Palmer Andrew A. Bourne Jason Winburn Pat Conlon Mark Ertel Brett Akers Frank Delgado John Deffee Dan Cleveland Chip Brown Terri Goddard Scott Young Chris Balton John Haas Brian Reinkober Johnny Russell Greg Smith (Deceased) Marc Triplet Brad Mayeux Gerre Reynolds Johnny Johnson

Southern New England Los Angeles Portland Atlanta Atlanta Toronto San Diego Philadelphia Long Beach Long Beach Chicago Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. Twin Cities Atlanta Atlanta Los Angeles Los Angeles San Francisco Southern New England Southern New England Los Angeles Phoenix Atlanta Washington, D.C. Kansas City Tampa Memphis Boston Milwaukee Dallas Dallas Long Beach Boston Tampa Houston

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| COMPETE | 59

NAGAAA HALL OF FAME MEMBERS

2014

2015

2016

2017

Jerry Fontes Emerson Ross Desmond Fletcher Ken Scearce (Deceased) Bill Hull Charles Bareras James Williamson Jim Costello Jerry Travis Jim Michener Jeff Chase Scott Filimon Richard “Rosie” Jimenez Michael Valerio Jim Imgrund Dave Dennistoun Mona Garcia Jim “Pearl” Bailey Tim Bias Tony Timmons Larry Ruiz Brian Redar Gary Vien Dug Sharpe Debra Jean Lowery Warren Mitchell Rick Twomey Chuck Saylor

2018 Vincent Fuqua Sam Lehman Ronnie Laumann Brian Wentz Orlando Diaz Brian Conner Ron Frank

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60 COMPETE 2021 GSWS Special Edition

Phoenix Atlanta Los Angeles Los Angeles Boston Los Angeles Palm Springs San Diego Tampa / Ft Lauderdale Tampa Philadelphia Dallas Los Angeles Philadelphia Twin Cities Twin Cities Milwaukee Birmingham Portland Los Angeles Los Angeles Chicago Chicago Seattle Dallas Boston Boston Memphis

San Francisco New York/So. New Eng. Mid-Atlantic Philadelphia San Francisco Atlanta Tampa

NAGAAA HALL OF FAME MEMBERS 2020 Dallas Aldridge Julie Colwell Derek Danton Kreg Harsha Lawrence Gershberg Jim McNulty Paul Moore Kevin Riddle Richard Segal 2021 Tim Clancy Jeff Hermann Robert Lenahan Tom Lovenjack Robert Schmahl Carl Sharp Ken Tedford Michael Westley Barney Winbourne

Columbus Chicago New York San Diego New York Boston Kansas City Nashville Austin Atlanta Palm Springs Philadelphia Toronto Tampa Chicago Toronto Milwaukee Norfolk

www.CompeteNetwork.com

| COMPETE | 61

IS A PROUD SPONSOR OF

2021 COLUMBUS GAY SOFTBALL WORLD SERIES V I S I T U S AT 11 2 4 G O O D A L E B L V D G R A N D V I E W, O H 4 3 2 12 6 14 4 8 6 4 5 2 0 O P E N S K Y D AY S PA . C O M

call: 614-451-6606 text: 614-450-2927 email: admin@bethelolentangy.com 4949 Olentangy River Road Columbus, OH 43214

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| COMPETE | 63

From all your friends in the Beantown Softball League.

We want to congratulate Jim McNulty on his induction into the NAGAAA Hall of Fame! Well done Jim!!!

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Gahanna Grandview Grove City Hilliard Lewis Center New Albany

64 COMPETE 2021 GSWS Special Edition

Pickerington Short North Upper Arlington Westerville

*First-time visitors and local residents only

Good Luck To Team Tampa Bay

Congratulations to TAmpa's Robert "bobby" Schmahl

and The entire NAGAAA Hall of fame class!

Registration opens on Talk Like A Pirate Day

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28th Annual B, C, D & E Divisions Great Parties 90 Team Capacity

February 17 - 21, 2022

PAST GSWS CHAMPIONS 2019 Kansas City, MO

2018 Tampa, FL

2017 Portland, OR

2016 Austin, TX

2015 Columbus, OH

2014 Dallas, TX

2013 Washington, D.C.

2012 Minneapolis, MN

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A B C D Masters C Masters D A B B C D Masters C Masters L A B C D Masters C Masters L A B C D Masters A B C D Masters A B C D Masters A B C D Masters A B C D Masters

Phoenix Charlie's Los Angeles Rebels Atlanta Wet Demons Dallas Devils Atlanta Chargers Fort Lauderdale Alive & Kicking Fort Lauderdale Silverhawks Knoxville Cyclones Orlando Voltage Mid Atlantic Thunder Mid Atlantic Norfolk Gunners Houston Hey Daddy!

Palm Springs Desert Dogs Palm Springs Rounders 2.0 Austin Hot Flash Twin Cities Steel Long Beach Pegasus D Fort Lauderdale Code Blue Dallas Fossil Fuel Dallas Texas Force – Powered by Woody’s Los Angeles Thunder Kansas City Cocktails Phoenix Saints New York Cranky Yankees Houston Force Columbus Grizzlies Austin Outlaws Tampa Pitch Slapped San Diego Marine Layer Palm Springs Rounders 2.0 Atlanta Show Stoppers Las Vegas Grease Monkeys Los Angeles Swingers New York Cranky Yankees Houston Force Boston Blizzard Orlando Fury Unleashed Mid-Atlantic Lightning Southern New England Cranky Yankees Atlanta Sluggers Long Beach Rounders 2.0 Tampa Venom Seattle Inferno Seattle Stroke

66 COMPETE 2021 GSWS Special Edition

PAST GSWS CHAMPIONS 2011 Chicago, IL

2010 Columbus, OH

2009 Milwaukee, WI

2008 Seattle, WA

2007 Phoenix, AZ

2006 Ft. Lauderdale, FL

2005 San Diego, CA

2004 Dallas, TX

2003 Washington D.C.

2002 Portland, OR

2001 San Francisco, CA 25th Anniversary

A B C D Masters A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C

Atlanta Venom Boston Alley Gators Las Vegas Rat Pack Boston Good Times Chicago Side Track Classic Los Angeles Vipers / Orlando Force Dallas T K O Austin Shady Ladies Boston Ramrod Machine Phoenix Toros Chicago Spin Cougars Fort Lauderdale Cyclones Nashville Players Los Angeles Vipers Boston Crew Dallas Woody’s Xplosion Seattle Atomic Atlanta Venom Orlando Force Memphis Heat Atlanta Wet Demons Los Angeles Vipers Los Angeles Killer B’s Nashville Tribe Chicago Jackhammer Heat Los Angeles Vipers Washington D.C. Disturbance Seattle Blue Sox Tampa Titans Atlanta Venom Phoenix Calamus/IONSZ Crush Virginia Beach Evil Empire Memphis Barflies Los Angeles Stray Cats Seattle Monarchs Chicago Cougar’s Los Angeles El Dorado Knights Los Angeles Stray Cats Ft Lauderdale Alibi Demons Norfolk Cavaliers Chicago Little Dog Properties Los Angeles Stray Cats Los Angeles Destroyers Ft Lauderdale Chardees Stingrays

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| COMPETE | 67

PAST GSWS CHAMPIONS 2000 Toronto, Canada

1999 Kansas City, MO

1998 Atlanta, GA

1997 San Diego, CA

1996 Minneapolis, MN

1995 Seattle, WA

1994 Nashville, TN

1993 Philadelphia, PA

1992 Los Angeles, CA

1991 Boston, MA 1990 Pittsburgh, PA 1989 Atlanta, GA 1988 Dallas, TX 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977

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San Francisco, CA New York/New Haven Milwaukee, WI Houston, TX Chicago, IL San Francisco, CA Toronto, Canada Los Angeles, CA Milwaukee, WI New York, NY San Francisco, CA

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A B C A B C A B C A B C A B C A B C A B C A B C A B C Open Rec Open Rec Open Rec Open Rec Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open

Los Angeles Stray Cats Boston Jackhammers Ft Lauderdale Chardees Stingrays Los Angeles Stray Cats KC Dixie Belles Sharps San Francisco Posse Los Angeles Stray Cats Dallas Sting Boston Southenders Los Angeles Stray Cats Twin Cities Gay 90’s Bandits Toronto The Crew Los Angeles Stray Cats New York Sunny Day Knights San Francisco Murderer’s Row Los Angeles Stray Cats San Diego Rich’s ACES Wash DC JR’s Gamecocks Los Angeles Stray Cats New York City Dugout Dallas JR’s Norfolk Outlaws Seattle Elite SF Aids Foundation Golden Bears Boston Fritz Philadelphia Woody’s Atlanta Ritz Sluggers Los Angeles Griffs Los Angeles Blaze SF Uncle Bert’s Bombers Philadelphia Blue Parrot Los Angeles Griffs San Francisco Galleon Twin Cities Cloud 9 NYC Ty’s Chelsea Breakers Twin Cities Cloud 9 Los Angeles Slammers Houston Briar Patch Twin Cities Gay 90’s Chicago Sidetrack San Francisco Pendulum Los Angeles Griffs Los Angeles Griffs Los Angeles Rusty Nail Los Angeles Griffs San Francisco Badland

68 COMPETE 2021 GSWS Special Edition

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| COMPETE | 69

MEMBER CITIES Atlanta Austin Birmingham Boston Chicago Columbus Dallas Denver Des Moines Ft. Lauderdale Houston Indianapolis Kansas City Knoxville Las Vegas Long Beach Los Angeles Louisville Madison Memphis Mid-Atlantic Milwaukee Nashville New Orleans New York Oklahoma City Orlando Palm Springs Philadelphia Phoenix Portland Rhode Island Sacramento San Antonio San Diego San Francisco San Jose Seattle Southern New England St. Louis Tampa Toronto Tulsa Twin Cities Vancouver Washington, D.C.

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Hotlanta Softball League Softball Austin New South Softball League Beantown Softball League, Inc. Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association Columbus Lesbian & Gay Softball Association Pegasus Slowpitch Softball Association Denver Area Softball League Pride Softball League of Central Iowa South Florida Amatuer Athletic Assoc.

Montrose Softball League Circle City Pride Softball Heart Of America Softball League K-Town Softball League Las Vegas Gay Softball League LB/OC Surf & Sun Softball League Greater Los Angeles Softball Association Derby City Pride League Badgerland Softball League Bluff City Sports Association Mid-Atlantic Amateur Softball Association Saturday Softball League (SSBL) Metro Nashville Softball Association NOLA Softball League Big Apple Softball League Sooner State Softball Association, Inc. Central Florida Softball League Palm Springs Gay Softball League City Of Brotherly Love Softball League Cactus Cities Softball League Rose City Softball Association Renaissance City Softball League Sacramento Valley Gay and Lesbian Softball San Antonio Gay Softball League Americas Finest City Softball League San Francisco Gay Softball League Silicon Valley Gay Softball League Emerald City Softball Association Southern New England Softball League St. Louis G.L.A.S.S. Suncoast Softball League Cabbagetown Group Softball League Tulsa Metro Softball League Twin Cities Goodtime Softball League West End Slo-Pitch Association Chesapeake & Potomac Softball (CAPS) League

70 COMPETE 2021 GSWS Special Edition

CHARITY BENEFIT EVENT

At the 2021 Gay Softball World Series, we are partnering with the Trevor Project to raise funds for suicide prevention and mental health. LGBTQIA+ adults and youth experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide than our non-LGBTQIA+ friends and family.

42% OF LGBTQ YOUTH

seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth.

48% OF LGBTQ YOUTH

reported they wanted counseling from a mental health professional but were unable to receive it in the past year. *

The Kaleidoscope Youth Center has been around since 1994 and is still one of the largest and longest-standing organization in Ohio solely dedicated to serving and supporting queer youth.

As part of our fundraising efforts, we are challenging every NAGAAA member league to raise $1,000 (or more!) prior to the Charity Event on Wednesday, September 1st. Fundraising pages allow leagues to post on social media and encourage people to donate to their league's total.

CHARITY BENEFIT EVENT September 1 7:00 – 11:00pm

Individual and Team winners will be announced at the Charity Event, Wednesday, September 1st, hosted by Miss Congeniality of RuPaul’s Drag Race – Season 11, Nina West. We look forward to all of you joining us in Columbus for the event!

* https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2021/?section=Introduction

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72 COMPETE 2021 GSWS Special Edition

PIZZA. PARTY.

1038 NORTH HIGH STREET COLUMBUS, OH 43201 LATENIGHTSLICE.COM/LOCATIONS

2014 ELM STREET CINCINNATI, OH 45202

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| COMPETE | 73

A Division Teams: Aus�n Dallas Dallas Las Vegas Los Angeles Palm Springs Phoenix San Francisco

ATX Fusion Texas Force Colorado Reign Lazer Sports Rebels Rounders 2.0 Charlie's AZ Toros Fury Unleashed

B Division Teams: Atlanta Atlanta Aus�n Boston Charlo�e Chicago Columbus Dallas Dallas Houston Knoxville Los Angeles Orlando Orlando Phoenix San Francisco San Francisco San Francisco Sea�le Sea�le Twin Ci�es

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Prime�me Elite Wet Demons ATX Cubs Blizzard Perfect Combina�on Gotcha Covered Dragons Grizz Lone Star Smash Texas Dawg Pound Revolu�on Cyclones Thunder Orlando Voltage Unicorns Charlie's AZ Scorpions Fury Inferno Dragons Quake Freeze Los Gallitos Mod Squad

74 COMPETE 2021 GSWS Special Edition

C Division Teams: Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta Aus�n Aus�n Birmingham Boston Boston Charlo�e Charlo�e Chicago Columbus Columbus Dallas Dallas Dallas Dallas Dallas Ft. Lauderdale Ft. Lauderdale Houston Houston Kansas City Knoxville Las Vegas Los Angeles Los Angeles Nashville New Orleans New Orleans

Aces Pitch Plzzz Prime�me Elite ATX Fusion Rough Riders Adrenaline Rebels X - Factors Carolina Xtreme Carolina Thunder Black Widows Rampage Union United Boxcu�ers Devils Black Sox Chaos Dallas Rhinos Felicias Supervillains Toros Wild Dream Killers Cyclones Grease Monkeys Fury Cartel Nashville Force Ski�les United POP

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| COMPETE | 75

C Division Teams (continued): Atlanta New York Orlando Orlando Orlando Palm Springs Palm Springs Philadelphia Philadelphia Phoenix Phoenix San Antonio San Diego San Diego San Francisco San Francisco San Francisco Sea�le Sea�le Sea�le St. Louis Tampa Tulsa Twin Ci�es Twin Ci�es Twin Ci�es Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C.

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Eagle Warriors Orlando Bombers Orlando Fury Unleashed Orlando Circus S�ngers PS RoadRunnerz Tabu Triple Play Philly Love Desert Heat Salty AF Alamo City Venom OMG Scorpions Furious Smashed Sluggers Badgers Wolfpack Knights Missouri Mayhem Morning Wood Tulsa Smoke Big Gay Moose MN Ice Steel Rockets Washington Galaxy

76 COMPETE 2021 GSWS Special Edition

Participating Teams D Division Teams: Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta Aus�n Aus�n Aus�n Birmingham Boston Boston Charlo�e Charlo�e Chicago Columbus Columbus Columbus Dallas Dallas Dallas Dallas Denver Des Moines Ft. Lauderdale Ft. Lauderdale Ft. Lauderdale Houston Houston

Chargers Reign S�ngrays Titans Vengeance Aus�n Polar Bears Ba�le Wolves Aus�n Blaze Bandits Guilty Pleasures Postmasters A�ershock Carolina Icon AHF Pharmacy Shade Fugi�ves Capitals Grizz 2.0 Demons Diesel Thunder Ki�es Demoli�on Crew Colorado Game Cocks Dirty Divas Felicias Hurricanes Rip�de Bombers Boomerangs

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| COMPETE | 77

Participating Teams D Division Teams (continued): Houston Houston Indianapolis Kansas City Knoxville Knoxville Las Vegas Long Beach Long Beach Los Angeles Los Angeles Los Angeles Los Angeles Louisville Memphis Mid-Atlan�c Milwaukee Nashville Nashville New Orleans New Orleans New York Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Orlando Orlando Orlando

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Chaos Mad Turtles D Sluggers I'd Hit That Scruffy City Crew Cyclones Outlaws Dynasty Redrum Ruffnex Fury uMad?!

Pirates S�ck It CRU Norfolk Gunners Brew Crew Blast Shady S�tches Sloppy Seconds Big Easy Bears Fusion Cliterference N2L Unicorns SWAG Orlando Fury

78 COMPETE 2021 GSWS Special Edition

Participating Teams D Division Teams (continued): Palm Springs Gorillas Philadelphia Union Phoenix Phoenix Monsoon Phoenix Demons San Antonio SLAM San Diego Over the Limit San Diego Renegades San Diego Tsunami San Francisco Cougars Cubs San Francisco Inferno-Rex San Francisco Eagles Sea�le Sockeyes Sea�le Sasssquatch Sea�le Revolu�on Sea�le Badgers Southern New England Crew St. Louis STL Free Agents St. Louis St. Louis So�ball Team Tampa Jokers Tampa Saints Twin Ci�es Force Twin Ci�es Spikes Twin Ci�es Triceratops Vancouver PumpJack Brew Jays Washington, D.C. Shockers Washington, D.C. Titans Washington, D.C. Boy Bu�er Ballers

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| COMPETE | 79

E Division Teams: Atlanta Atlanta Aus�n Aus�n Birmingham Charlo�e Columbus Columbus Columbus Dallas Dallas Dallas Ft. Lauderdale Houston Houston Knoxville Las Vegas Los Angeles Los Angeles Mid-Atlan�c Nashville New Orleans Orlando Orlando Philadelphia Phoenix San Francisco Sea�le Sea�le Tampa Twin Ci�es Washington, D.C.

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Moose Knuckles Royals EZ Ball'rz Polar Bears Sliders Shockers Ohanna The Columbus Ban'd Capitals E Oso Sexy Titans Lightning The Coali�on Herricanes Cub-ees Cyclones Outlaws Ruffnex Pirates Norfolk Gunners Music City Beat E-division All Stars Orlando Fury Royal Trash Jawnskies Batatudes Cherry Bomb Pop Sockeyes Rusty Nuts Jokers All Stars Base Invaders Mavericks

80 COMPETE 2021 GSWS Special Edition

Masters C Division Teams: Boston Chicago Ft. Lauderdale Ft. Lauderdale Houston Las Vegas Nashville Palm Springs San Francisco Tampa Twin Ci�es

Boston Big Papi's Chicago Legends SilverHawks Alive & Kicking Hey Daddy!

Relics Force 5.0 Greyhounds Hearts of Fury Ye Old Krewe Steel Masters

Masters D Division Teams: Atlanta Columbus Dallas Dallas Ft. Lauderdale Ft. Lauderdale Houston Knoxville Los Angeles Madison New York Orlando Palm Springs Phoenix Providence San Diego San Francisco Sea�le Sea�le Tampa Twin Ci�es Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C.

Dropdead Stallions Titans Masters Fossil Fuel Code Blue FlaminGoGo Silver Balls Koolaid A�ershock Old Fashioneds Eagle SWAG SPORTSWEAR Heat Strokes Vintage Rhode Island Rockers Rebels SF Fury Fire Silverbacks Sugar Pops Silver Lightning Rounding Third Big Blue Na�onal All Starz Classics www.CompeteNetwork.com

| COMPETE | 81

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82 COMPETE 2021 GSWS Special Edition

#SWISSNAVY

NO MATTER HOW YOU PLAY, ALWAYS PLAY WITH THE BEST.

We’re big fans of the Gay Softball World Series’ Players.

We’re also big fans of their fans.

Huntington is proud to support the Gay Softball World Series, through all the wins and losses. No matter the outcome, it’s a joy to watch you from the stands, competing your hearts out. From all your fans at Huntington, play ball!

Member FDIC. ®, Huntington® and Huntington. Welcome.® are federally registered service marks of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. ©2021 Huntington Bancshares Incorporated.

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| COMPETE | 97

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98 COMPETE 2021 GSWS Special Edition

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| COMPETE | 99