Ray Regimbal, the recently-elected assistant commissioner for the South Florida Amateur Athletic Association (SFAAA), didn’t play baseball or softball at a young age. But upon discovering his passion for the sport, he’s helped grow one of South Florida’s premier gay sports leagues.
“I discovered it later in life,” Regimbal said. “A neighbor reached out and said, ‘Hey, come and try out and see what this is all about.’ And so I started playing, but then I realized I actually liked coaching and managing more.”
Regimbal previously served as SFAAA’s director of operations before entering his new position. Before devoting his time solely to the organization, Regimbal volunteered with local groups and events such as FlockFest, Pride Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach Pride.
Being a part of the gay softball league isn’t just a fun pastime, Regimbal said. It creates a “significant” opportunity for inclusion and visibility that isn’t often seen in sports.
Beyond all the tournaments and practices, Regimbal said that the connections and friendships players make is at the heart of the league.
“It goes way beyond softball to the community,” he said. “You make lifelong friends. You go to tournaments together, you go to the Gay Softball World Series together, you support each other's teams at fundraisers. It really does become a family.”
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