The America’s Finest City Softball League (AFCSL) is taking a break from the Fall Ball softball season to welcome 62 softball teams from across the country to the 20th annual Autumn Classic softball tournament.

“We are really excited to be celebrating our 20th Autumn Classic,” said Martin Cherrier, marketing director for the AFCSL. “As with every year, the Autumn Classic is well represented with teams from all over the west coast.... Hosting this first class softball tournament is a huge task. However, the Autumn Classic is tremendously successful thanks to the hard work of our board of directors, as well as the continued support from our local business community.”

An impressive 22 teams from San Diego will also take part in the tournament, which is being held at three complexes: the Poway Sportsplex; Hourglass Park in Mira Mesa; and Kit Carson Park in Escondido.

“What started out on a local field in North Park has grown to an 84-team weekend tournament over three complexes, utilizing 14 fields,” Costello said. “We always joked about having 100 teams one year. Seems we are getting closer and closer.

Getting a large turnout for a fall tournament in San Diego isn’t much of a challenge, according to AFCSL Chair Jim Costello. “Aside from great weather? Being a tournament in the off-season certainly has attributed to our success, as well as a great organizational staff.”

While the tournament is a mainstay for many teams in California, teams from Oregon, Seattle, Colorado, Arizona and even one team from Washington, D.C., will be making the trip to San Diego this weekend. Beyond a great athletic competition, the tournament is also a great way for sports fans to spend their weekend.

“Softball is a great daytime social event,” Costello added. “We have almost 80 teams playing this year in eight divisions, so there is something for everyone to watch. Where else can you watch as many gay athletic men and women compete in a sporting event?”

For those who aren’t interested in checking out the excitement on the fields, Bacchus House will host the official tournament party on Saturday night. For more information on the softball tournament and field locations, visit gaylesbiantimes.com for a link to the league’s web site.