Cactus Cities Softball League (CCSL):
CCSL was founded by Don Welsh and hosted its first season in 1993, but Welsh had been collecting information about individuals well before that in the summer and fall of 1992. Now 30 years later, CCSL has over 20 teams. The history of the league can be found on the league's website directly from the founder Don Welsh.
I heard about CCSL from a Facebook AD during Christmas of 2021. I was scrolling through their website, Facebook, and Instagram and found a large group of not just Queer people, but allies as well playing in this slowpitch league.
There I found the NAGAAA, the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance.
"Formed in 1977, NAGAAA is a 501c(3) international sports organization comprised of men and women dedicated to providing opportunity and access for the LGBT community to participate in organized softball competition in safe environments. Currently, more than 17,000 players from 48 cities across Canada and the United States participate in member leagues, and the best of these teams converge once a year for head-to-head competition at the annual Gay Softball World Series." - NAGAAA
Phoenix has been apart of NAGAAA since 1994, and has even hosted the Gay Softball World Series twice in 2014 and 2015. The league holds a close relationship with the NAGAAA, as well as quite the record in games played on a national level.
"The League had accomplishments such as taking second place in GSWS 1995 and a first in GSWS 2004 in the Open B division." - Don Welsh (CCSL Website).
Most recently, the league's Phoenix Charlie's Toros placed 3rd the NAGAAA Cup in Richmond, Virginia. The 2022 GSWS is set to take place August 29th through September 4th in Dallas, Texas.
CCSL has had some great outreach in Phoenix this past year as well. Just recently in June during Pride Month, the league had the opportunity to attend the MLB Diamondback's Pride Night on June 25th. John Deffee, the commissioner of the NAGAAA, was the Grand Marshal of the pre-game parade and provided spots for players, coaches, and the CCSL board to walk with him.
CCSL was also invited by the WWE to WWE's Friday Night SmackDown. As well as partnering with the Arizona Gay Rodeo Association and receiving 11,000 dollars in donations in May of 2022. The league provides a safe place for many Queer folk in Phoenix, Arizona and surrounding cities. If you wish to learn more about this league feel free to check out their website here: https://www.cactuscities.com/home.
"It provides a safe space for LGBTQ+ people to come together for the love of sport and teamwork. Also allows the community to build strong ties through connection." - Current CCSL Player
"My favorite part of the league is everyone's attitude. No matter your experience level, you'll always learn from someone or get support from someone. It made my first season really enjoyable even if we didn't win all the time. It's all about the fun and learning something new!" - Current CCSL Player
"It's important to have this league because it gives a safe space in sports to feel like you can fully be yourself without judgement, regular sports that aren't LGBT are filled with toxicity and this group has made it a very comfortable space to be in." - Current CCSL Player
"I think my favorite thing about the league is how much everyone pushes each other on and supports each other. The little tips are always welcoming, sweet and truly always appreciated." - Current CCSL Player
CCSL was founded by Don Welsh and hosted its first season in 1993, but Welsh had been collecting information about individuals well before that in the summer and fall of 1992. Now 30 years later, CCSL has over 20 teams. The history of the league can be found on the league's website directly from the founder Don Welsh.
I heard about CCSL from a Facebook AD during Christmas of 2021. I was scrolling through their website, Facebook, and Instagram and found a large group of not just Queer people, but allies as well playing in this slowpitch league.
There I found the NAGAAA, the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance.
"Formed in 1977, NAGAAA is a 501c(3) international sports organization comprised of men and women dedicated to providing opportunity and access for the LGBT community to participate in organized softball competition in safe environments. Currently, more than 17,000 players from 48 cities across Canada and the United States participate in member leagues, and the best of these teams converge once a year for head-to-head competition at the annual Gay Softball World Series." - NAGAAA
Phoenix has been apart of NAGAAA since 1994, and has even hosted the Gay Softball World Series twice in 2014 and 2015. The league holds a close relationship with the NAGAAA, as well as quite the record in games played on a national level.
"The League had accomplishments such as taking second place in GSWS 1995 and a first in GSWS 2004 in the Open B division." - Don Welsh (CCSL Website).
Most recently, the league's Phoenix Charlie's Toros placed 3rd the NAGAAA Cup in Richmond, Virginia. The 2022 GSWS is set to take place August 29th through September 4th in Dallas, Texas.
CCSL has had some great outreach in Phoenix this past year as well. Just recently in June during Pride Month, the league had the opportunity to attend the MLB Diamondback's Pride Night on June 25th. John Deffee, the commissioner of the NAGAAA, was the Grand Marshal of the pre-game parade and provided spots for players, coaches, and the CCSL board to walk with him.
CCSL was also invited by the WWE to WWE's Friday Night SmackDown. As well as partnering with the Arizona Gay Rodeo Association and receiving 11,000 dollars in donations in May of 2022. The league provides a safe place for many Queer folk in Phoenix, Arizona and surrounding cities. If you wish to learn more about this league feel free to check out their website here: https://www.cactuscities.com/home.
"It provides a safe space for LGBTQ+ people to come together for the love of sport and teamwork. Also allows the community to build strong ties through connection." - Current CCSL Player
"My favorite part of the league is everyone's attitude. No matter your experience level, you'll always learn from someone or get support from someone. It made my first season really enjoyable even if we didn't win all the time. It's all about the fun and learning something new!" - Current CCSL Player
"It's important to have this league because it gives a safe space in sports to feel like you can fully be yourself without judgement, regular sports that aren't LGBT are filled with toxicity and this group has made it a very comfortable space to be in." - Current CCSL Player
"I think my favorite thing about the league is how much everyone pushes each other on and supports each other. The little tips are always welcoming, sweet and truly always appreciated." - Current CCSL Player
*Photos courtesy of CCSL on Facebook.