With the Gay Softball World Series just around the corner (Aug. 17-23), San Diego’s America’s Finest City Softball League (AFCSL) is already gearing up for its Fall softball season, which kicks off Sept. 7. The short season is scheduled to run through mid-November, with a one-weekend break in October for the league’s annual Autumn Classic softball tournament over Columbus Day weekend.

“Fall Ball is a great opportunity for teams to play for fun!” said Stacey Hayashi, co-commissioner of the league. “For the Women’s Division, because we limit the number of teams, while the season is still competitive, we combine divisions. Teams who typically would not play each other in Spring ball get to play each other in a more relaxed setting.”

The same will be true for the open division, which will be condensed down from six divisions, based on the skill level and number of teams that sign up to participate in the shortened season.

Registration deadlines for Fall ball are quickly approaching, and all player registration forms and fees are due next week at the league meeting scheduled for Aug. 12 at Bourbon Street. The meeting gets underway at 6:30 p.m. and those planning to play need to have their team registration form, player registration forms, completed roster and fees ready to be turned in. Team fees for Fall ball are $250 and individual players’ fees are $25 each. All games are scheduled at the Poway Sportsplex and teams are guaranteed a minimum of 12 games over the course of the season.

Fall ball is a great opportunity for new players to get their feet wet in the softball league without the commitment of the long spring season.

“For new players, there may be some opportunities with existing teams who need players,” said Martin Cherrier, the league’s marketing director. “For the Spring season, which is our premiere season, we will host new player clinics to place players on teams, but for those interested in Fall ball, they can contact either Scott Sleeman or Stacey Hayashi via our website.”

A link to the AFCSL website is available through the Gay and Lesbian Times we site at www.gaylesbiantimes.com. Just click on our resource guide.