On March 20, America’s Finest City Softball League (AFCSL) is turning 30, and celebrating its birthday with an opening day gala that features local celebrities, politicians and an homage to long-time league veterans who made “gay softball” in San Diego a possibility.
“For 30 years, our league has provided a safe space for the LGBT community to gather and socialize and play softball in a warm and welcoming environment,” says AFCSL Open Division Commissioner Brian Burnett. “With so much history, we thought we would take a moment to celebrate our past, and the people who got us here. Our 30th anniversary is a perfect time to do that.”
Founded in 1981 by a group of informal softball players, the league started off as little more than people gathering at a field just off the banks of the San Diego River in Mission Valley to play exhibition games. Three decades later, AFCSL has hosted two Gay Softball World Series, has more than 30 teams and more than 500 active members. It is one of the largest LGBT sports leagues in the world.
To mark the occasion, the AFCSL will have an opening day ceremony reminiscent of the pomp and circumstance that accompanies opening days for Major League Baseball across the country.
At 8 a.m. on Sunday, March 20, AFCSL teams will gather on a field at Sportsplex USA in Santee (9951 Riverwalk Drive in Santee). The event will kick off with members of the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus singing the National Anthem, followed by a presentation to past commissioners Rich Riccio and George Biagi, along with veteran umpire Mike Groby, commemorating their years of service and their induction to the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance Hall of Fame.
San Diego City Councilmen Todd Gloria and Carl DeMaio will present a proclamation honoring the league and a surprise local celebrity will toss out the ceremonial first pitch.
The event will conclude when one of the league’s many parents will bring their child to the microphone and order everyone to “Play ball!”
“We’re very excited about this opening day ceremony,” said Dani Goodlett, AFCSL Women’s Division Commissioner.
For more information on the AFCSL, its 30 year anniversary event, or on how to join the league, visit their website at afcsl.org.
