by Shaun Knittel - SGN Associate Editor

The Emerald City Softball Association, the largest Gay-softball league in the Northwest, invites players of all skill levels to its January 25 Field Day, starting at 10 a.m., at North SeaTac Park (S. 128th St. & 20th Ave. S.).

'The new-player clinic and skills assessment is designed for players of all skill levels. Novices are strongly encouraged to attend, as are seasoned pros,' said ECSA officials in a media release. 'Representatives from many of the ECSA's 30+ teams will be on hand to introduce themselves and potentially recruit new teammates for the 2014 softball season, which runs from April to July.'

'Whether you're throwing a ball for the first time or seeking the next team in your long softball career, this year's Field Day can be a great introduction to the ECSA and its 500+ players,' said Jim Neely, ECSA membership director.

Officials ask that participants bring a mitt and molded plastic cleats (no metal spikes). There is no cost and no RSVP required, though players can join the event on Facebook at bit.ly/Jan25ECSA to stay apprised of Field Day updates and information.

In case of rain, Field Day will move to Sunday, January 26, same time and place.

For interested players who can't make it this weekend, a second Field Day is scheduled for Saturday, February 8, at 10 a.m., also at North SeaTac Park.

The ECSA features more than 30 teams in three skill-based divisions. Many have started practicing for the 2014 season, and two teams - the Browns and the Woodpeckers - joined numerous Seattle-based 'pickup' players in the 2014 Sin City Shootout softball tournament on January 18 and 19 in Las Vegas.

Registration has also opened for Seattle's Gay-softball tournament, the Emerald City Classic, July 4 to 6. In 2013, the tourney featured 60 teams from across the U.S. and Canada. Teams can sign up at emeraldcitysoftball.org/ecc.

The ECSA started in Seattle in 1980 as a group of friends playing ball, and has grown to become a welcoming place for LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ players to partake in the competition and spirit of softball. It is now one of the oldest and largest Gay-softball leagues in the nation.

As a member of NAGAAA (North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance) - which represents more than 10,000 players in 36 member cities in the U.S. and Canada - the ECSA sends its top teams to the NAGAAA Gay Softball World Series each year. Last August, a record nine teams represented Seattle and the ECSA in the World Series in Washington, D.C. This year's World Series is set for September 22-27 in Dallas.

To learn more about the ECSA or get information on sponsoring the league or its teams, please contact marketing/communications director Tony Stasiek at marcom@seattlegaysoftball.com.

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