Pomp, pageantry, purpose and a poignant touch were on display as the South Florida gay softball league closed its 22nd season recently with its End of Season Ceremony.

Twenty years ago, George Kessinger, Jim Stork and Bob Hagen founded the South Florida Softball League (SFSL) in an attempt to create a haven for LGBT (and non-LGBT) ball players to have an environment that was accepting and open. Starting with only six teams that year, the South Florida Amateur Athletic Association (SFAAA) now has 24 teams and approximately 375 members in its association.

Over 1,000 players, partners, and other participants are just a few days away from descending on the Fort Lauderdale area to enjoy the 24th annual Hurricane Showdown softball tournament during Thanksgiving weekend.