The local gay softball league capped off a September to remember with national recognition and success at the 48th annual Gay Softball World Series in Houston.
The South Florida Amateur Athletic Association was named Association of the Year for 2024 by International Pride Softball, was among the finalists for Tournament of the Year, had a player inducted into the IPS Hall of Fame, and claimed an association-high five trophies including a national championship and two runners-up at this year’s annual international tournament.
“Our league is truly the best there is and the award and success at GSWS truly proves it,” SFAAA Commissioner Rocky Bowell said. “We have worked extremely hard to get the league to this level. It’s great to see the success with the national recognition and teams placing at the World Series.”
Whoosh, sponsored by Pub on the Drive, beat Glitterati OG, sponsored by The Well, to win the D Division national championship. The two local teams beat out 56 other teams from around the continent to reach the championship game. Whoosh won 8-7 in a hard-fought game by both teams that went down to the final play. In addition, South Florida United was a runner-up for the B Division title; the Reapers placed fourth in the C Division; and the Phantoms placed fourth in the Legends D Division. In total, SFAAA took home five of the 28 potential trophies at a World Series featuring 57 member cities and more than 180 teams.
SFAAA sent a record 16 teams to the World Series with two others — Team Florida (A Division) and Swinging Fossils (Legends C Division) — finishing just outside the medals in fifth place.
“Our league's tremendous success on the field against the best of the best teams from around North America is a testament to the year-round hard work and dedication of all our athletes, coaches, volunteers, and sponsors,” SFAAA Assistant Commissioner and former Director of Operations Ray Regimbal said.
Earlier in the week, SFAAA was recognized with the inaugural IPS Association of the Year award after coming off its 30th anniversary season that featured a Founders’ Day celebration, Oakland Park city proclamation, All-Star game, and Hall of Fame banquet.
“This award recognizes a city or association that has shown outstanding leadership, growth, and dedication to our mission. We are so proud to partner with you,” IPS Commissioner Jeff Sloan said when presenting the honor to Bowell, Regimbal, and other members of the SFAAA Board of Directors.
SFAAA’s annual tournament, the Hurricane Showdown, was a finalist for the inaugural Association Tournament of the Year that honors a city or association for hosting an outstanding and memorable tournament that truly celebrated our community and sport.
Also honored was recently retired SFAAA player Elaine Otte, who was enshrined in the IPS Hall of Fame after a pitching and coaching career that spanned more than 45 years, multiple cities, and remarkable volunteerism at every stop. Otte passed away unexpectedly just a few days after returning home to Oakland Park from Houston.
“It was a moment I will never forget, getting to see Elaine inducted into the NAGAAA Hall of Fame,” Bowell said. “She truly deserved it for all she had done. She will be sorely missed.”
The final week of September was the icing on the cake to a remarkable four weeks by the local gay softball league.
Earlier in the month, SFAAA was granted permission by the City of Oakland Park to erect a historical monument to mark the site of SFAAA’s first game at Wimberly Fields Park in July 1994. The honor is a Broward County-first for an LGBTQ+ organization and a national first for gay softball. In mid-September, the Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library opened its SFAAA exhibit highlighting the league’s 30-plus years history in South Florida. Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis also proclaimed Sept. 12, 2025, as SFAAA Day. The exhibit is open daily until Nov. 2.
September 2025 will go down as SFAAA’s finest hour.
