Balls, Bats, & Family: The History of the SFAAA

04/12/2026

Congratulations!

04/09/2026

Glenn was part of our NAGAAA/iPride family back in the early '80s, playing in the San Francisco and Los Angeles gay softball leagues. Looking at his size and stats—I think I would've just walked him!

… article by Ken Schultz at Outsports.

Talkin' Gaysball: Glenn Burke baseball's first known gay player, getting his first MLB at-bat 50 years ago this week.

04/05/2026

03/30/2026

🎥 NEW VIDEO INTERVIEW DROP! 🥎🌈

We’re honored to share the latest chapter in our Balls, Bats, and Family history series featuring Ralph Cardona; a powerful story of resilience, identity, and chosen family.

Ralph’s journey begins in the Santurce barrio of San Juan, where baseball was the heartbeat of his childhood and the foundation of a lifelong love for the game. In this moving interview, he opens up about his coming-out journey and the profound impact of living and working in Washington, D.C., during the AIDS epidemic and the Reagan administration.

The story then follows Ralph’s move to South Florida, where he found a new home within the SSFAAA Softball Leaguein 2005. He shares thoughtful reflections on the Latino experience within the league, how the organization has evolved over the years, and why community matters so deeply.

By the end of this conversation, one thing becomes crystal clear: the SFAAA is more than a league; it is our chosen family. ❤️

🎥 Watch Ralph’s powerful story now:
👉 https://youtu.be/TlPzFjzQ5zE

Ralph’s story begins in the Santurce barrio of San Juan, where baseball was the heartbeat of his childhood. He opens up about his coming-out journey and the ...

02/26/2026

🎥 NEW VIDEO INTERVIEW DROP! 🥎🌈

ROCKY BOWELL: Commissioner 2022-2026, SFAAA Hall of Fame

A special message from Jim Stork, SFAAA Co-Founder and History Project Chair: The Balls, Bats, and Family video series has now chronicled commissioners and chairpersons from every decade since the league’s infancy in 1991-1992. And it was under the leadership of current commissioner Rocky Bowell who inspired me to chair the SFAAA Softball League history project.

Under Rocky’s vision, the SFAAA achieved remarkable milestones:

🏳️‍🌈 The launch of the SFAAA History Project
🥎 The 30th Anniversary Celebration at Wimberly Fields
🎉 Return of Opening Day Ceremonies: Spring & Fall seasons and an All-Star Game weekend.
🏛️ The SFAAA Museum Exhibition held at the Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library
📍 Approval of the first-ever LGBTQ+ historic marker in South Florida
🏆 2024 iPride inaugural “Association of the Year” Award winner
🏆 2024 iPride finalist “Tournament of the Year” for The Hurricane Showdown

But, wait! There’s more! With Rocky’s support and leadership, SFAAA sent a record 16 teams to the Gay Softball World Series in 2025, and on pace to send a league-record 19 teams to the 2026 World Series in Columbus, Ohio. In August of 2025, SFAAA took home a league-record five trophies from Houston, including a National Championship and two Runner-Ups!

This video is being released just after the 2026 Opening Day ceremony, the final one before Rocky retires as commissioner.

In this heartfelt interview, Rocky shares his journey from a small, conservative Ohio town to the growing gay mecca of South Florida in the late 1990s. His early leadership at Pride Factory and Pride South Florida ultimately led him to his SFAAA family in 2015.

Rocky possesses a rare gift: the vision to lead, the empathy to listen, the toughness to act, and the ability to empower others.

With gratitude, we invite you to watch his story, and celebrate the leader who helped ensure our history will never be forgotten.

🎥 👉 https://youtu.be/8eIiqRSuh0c

More installments are coming, including a special two-part feature on Latino influence within the league and a closing BBF recap conversation with Rocky and me about how this history project became a reality.

ROCKY BOWELL: League Commissioner 2022-2026, SFAAA Hall of FameA special message from Jim Stork, SFAAA Co-Founder and History Project Chair: The Balls, Bats,...

02/24/2026

🥎***** GEORGE FOLEY TO RETIRE *****🥎

SFAAA Softball League Hall of Famer and original league member George Foley has announced that this spring will be his final season as a player.

George was there on Day 1 of our league back at Wimberly Field more than 30 years ago and is the only league player to have never missed a year playing in SFAAA. After founding the Alibi Angels in 1997, he remained with the Angels his entire career and will end his career with the Angels this season.

During his career, George has volunteered countless hours to SFAAA, played in multiple World Series, and appeared in dozens of tournaments around the nation. He also never met a beer he didn't like. 🍺

If you get a chance this season, shake his hand and give George a hug and thank him. Without people like him, we would not be enjoying what we have today. 🤝

On a personal note, thank you, George, for making me the only player you have ever drafted.

Your work is done, sir.

Thank you.

Tim Martin
SFAAA Hall of Fame Chair

02/17/2026

Black History Month Profile ❤️🖤💛💚

🥎 SFAAA Hall of Fame Member:
Hayward Shana McQueen, 2008 – Present

When Hayward Shana McQueen was recruited into the SFAAA Softball League by Terrell Williams in 2008, it marked the beginning of a life-changing journey; not just for Hayward, but for the league itself.

Over the years, Hayward has worn many hats: player, volunteer, coach, mentor, and community builder. Known as one of the most charismatic and beloved figures in the league, his presence is magnetic. He has a rare ability to bring people together; attracting new players, strengthening teams, and reminding everyone that SFAAA is more than softball… it’s family.

In 2024, Hayward made history as only the second African American player inducted into the SFAAA Hall of Fame. A milestone that reflects not only athletic achievement, but years of leadership, service, and heart. ❤️

A South Florida native, Hayward grew up in Dania Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Okeechobee, and attended Wilton Manors Elementary School. Beyond the field, he serves his community as a registered nurse and Nurse Manager at the Ambulatory Integrated Surgical Institute at Cleveland Clinic in Coral Springs; continuing his commitment to care, compassion, and excellence.

Hayward’s story is one of impact, representation, and enduring legacy. His contributions continue to shape the culture and spirit of the SFAAA, inspiring the next generation of players and leaders.

Thank you, Hayward!

02/10/2026

🎥 NEW VIDEO INTERVIEW DROP! 🥎🌈

We’re excited to share a powerful new conversation with Jarvis McCray; South Florida native, history-maker, and one of the most influential leaders in SFAAA Softball League history.

Jarvis made league history as the longest-serving board member and the first Black commissioner of the SFAAA. In this thoughtful interview, he reflects on his journey into gay softball in 2008, the growth and visibility of Black players within the league, the challenges of navigating COVID, and how his work as a high school educator and athletic director shapes his leadership.

Most of all, Jarvis captures something every player understands: the SFAAA isn’t just a league, it’s family!

🌈 Watch Jarvis’ story! A testament to leadership, representation, and the power of chosen family.

🎥 👉 https://youtu.be/XgDJGRr4Qb4?si=yMdVBHzuTTPwz2lQ

Jarvis, a South Florida native, made history as both the longest-serving board member of the SFAAA and the first Black commissioner in league history. He dis...

02/02/2026

🔥🥎 Black History Month Spotlight 🥎🔥

This Black History Month, we honor the trailblazers who shaped our past and continue to inspire our future.

In our upcoming BBF video release, Hall of Fame member Jarvis McCray shares his journey to become the SFAAA Softball League's first Black commissioner and the longest consecutively serving board member in league history. His story is one of commitment, and dedication to building a stronger, more inclusive softball family.

Until then, enjoy this uplifting message from International Pride Softball, and get ready for Jarvis’ full BBF feature:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/2663272874066357

01/29/2026

🎥 BBF Video Release: Tim Martin🥎

Tim Martin’s interview offers a powerful look at the post-millennium history of the SFAAA Softball League (SFAAA), spanning from 2005 to today.

From his childhood in Detroit and college years in Ann Arbor to a career as a respected sports writer, Tim’s lifelong love of sports ultimately led him to South Florida, where he found a chosen family within the SFAAA. That connection inspired four years of service as League Chairman and unforgettable moments on the field, including winning a Gay World Series title.

As Hall of Fame Chair, Tim’s deep respect for the league’s pioneers and milestones helped spark the 2025 SFAAA History Exhibition at the Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library. Though retired as a player and coach, his passion endures, serving as an umpire and continuing to write news releases that keep the SFAAA story alive.

👉 Watch Tim’s full interview now and hear firsthand how community, leadership, and love of the game shaped an era of SFAAA history. https://youtu.be/2OIjHJtwIno

Tim’s interview offers a unique historical perspective on the South Florida Amateur Athletic Association (SFAAA), focusing on the post-millennium era from 20...

01/24/2026

📌 From Exhibition to Living Archive

Balls, Bats, & Family began as a museum exhibition honoring the history and impact of the South Florida Amateur Athletic Association (SFAAA). While the physical exhibit, which was held at the Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library, has concluded, the work of preserving this history continues.

This page now serves as a living archive; sharing stories, photographs, milestones, and memories that reflect more than 30 years of community, sport, and chosen family.

We continue to release 20+ oral history interviews featuring SFAAA Softball League members, leaders, sponsors, and supporters on the SFAAA YouTube History Channel. These firsthand accounts ensure the voices behind the history are preserved and accessible for future generations.

🎥 Watch the interviews here:
https://youtube.com/

Thank you for helping us keep this history alive. 🥎🏳️‍🌈

In 1992, a single team took the field in the Fort Lauderdale city leagues. Just two years later, at Wimberly Fields in Oakland Park, that vision grew into an...