League Profile: Twin Cities Goodtime Softball League

By Forrest Brandt

Men’s Softball
GLBT
Season: May – August
www.tcgsl.leagueapps.com

The Twin Cities Goodtime Softball League (TCGSL) is about to embark on its 37th season. With over 550 players making up over 35 teams, the league is one of the largest and most successful members of the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance (NAGAAA); but what it means to its participants, fans, and the GLBTQI community is what makes it special.

“TCGSL is not just about softball, it is a network, a family,” said Todd Trebesch. “TCGSL is [a] welcoming and loving community that brings in people of all backgrounds and abilities,” said Thom Rosengren. These sentiments of community and family are echoed by many associated with TCGSL.

The league is also a place for competition, and is open to anyone with a desire to play. “The TCGSL is an amazing place for for the GLBTQA community to come together, no matter what their skill level is, and have fun, together,” said Niklas Mikael Iisakka.

Allowing players of all backgrounds, orientations, and abilities to have fun while competing may be the key to TCGSL’s success. “When I was a kid growing up on a farm, all the neighborhood kids would get together on Sundays at the one-room schoolhouse to play ball. That’s what this is for me: all the neighborhood kids getting together on Sundays to play ball,” said Michael Johannes.

Kevin Johnson said, “I love that no matter what your player skill level is everyone is supportive of a player and makes them feel welcome. The league is like a huge family. And we all look after each other.”

TCGSL plays its games on Sunday mornings and afternoons at Taft Park in Richfield and Bossen Field in Minneapolis from the end of April through mid-August. More information can be found at www.tcgsl.org.

Key events for the 2015 season:

• Softball games, 10 weeks and Playoffs, Sundays, April 26 – August 2, 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  Taft Fields (Richfield) and Bossen Fields (Minneapolis), full schedule at www.tcgsl.org

• North Star Classic, softball tournament, Memorial Day weekend, May 22-25
  Over 40 teams from across the United States meet for a weekend in Minnesota to play softball

• All Star Friends & Family Day at the Fields, Fathers’ Day Weekend, Sunday, June 21
  All 38 teams in the league put forth their champion to compete in a friendly exhibition in front of friends and families. Free food donated by various businesses and restaurants. All are welcome. Taft Fields (Richfield)

• TCGSL, the Fierce and Fabulous Fight for the Crown, Sunday, July 19
  Teams submit a drag talent performance to compete for the title, and raise funds and awareness for TCGSL; details to follow

• End of the Season Banquet and Award Ceremony, Sunday, August 2; details to follow

• Gay Softball World Series, Columbus, OH; Monday, August 17 – Saturday, August 22
  TCGSL will send up to 10 teams to compete for one of the top four spots in Divisions A, B, C, D; full details can be found at www.gsws2015.org