Last season I was contacted by a manager seeking as many players as he could find. I immediately signed up. Our rag-tag team was placed in the B+ division of the co-ed league. Yeah, um, we weren't a B+ team. We went the entire season without winning a single set. Opposing teams regularly kicked the snot out of us and some seemed to take pleasure in spiking on us every single play (way to show some sportsmanship). But the thing was, we were having fun and working to get better. We knew we were over our heads and used the matches as a chance to practice and improve our skills.
This season our team was moved down to the B league and while we're not setting the world on fire with our play, we are doing MUCH better. We've won 3 matches vs. 4 losses. I truly feel like I'm getting better and I'm having a blast playing. Winning a match is an amazing feeling, and not one that I'm used to. :-)
Last summer I had the opportunity to attend the Gay Softball World Series in Minneapolis. It was a great event, but ultimately I left a little sad that there wasn't a gay sports league in central Iowa. I was envious of the camaraderie that I saw out on the field. Here were guys who were talented, skillful and supportive of one another. Oh yeah, and they just happened to be gay.
The group is also planning a softball league as well and I love it! I'm hopeful that the league will be a success and take off. Now I just need to find a good pair of volleyball shoes.
