Softball is a very popular team sport in the LGBT community, and it has been played on an organized level for decades in Florida. This year marks a very special anniversary for the South Florida Amateur Athletic Association (SFAAA), as its yearly invitational, the Hurricane Showdown, celebrates its 20th anniversary! Dozens of softball teams from across Florida and across the country are coming to Broward County over Thanksgiving weekend to battle it out and find out which team is the best.
Over four dozen teams across three experience categories (B-, C-, and D-Division) have signed up to play in the 20th annual Hurricane Showdown. Eighteen of those teams are in the SFAAA’s backyard, from right here in Fort Lauderdale! But before you think the local teams have this competition in the bag, they have to play some strong teams from as far away as Boston, New York City, Chicago, Atlanta, Washington D.C., Houston and San Diego. Central Florida is also well-represented, with many teams from Tampa and Orlando ready to play.
The fields that are being used for play this year are Mills Pond Park (2201 NW 9th Ave., Fort Lauderdale), which has hosted games since the very beginning, and Brian Piccolo Park (9501 Sheridan St., Cooper City). Altogether, these parks offer eleven softball fields, each 300 feet in diameter. Games will start on Friday, November 28, and the day will end with a special twentieth anniversary party. Each team is guaranteed five rounds of play regardless of division. The final rounds and the awarding of trophies will occur on Sunday, November 30.
The host hotel for this year’s Hurricane Showdown is the Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach (440 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale). There is currently a group rate being offered for players ($109 a night). You must mention Hurricane Showdown when booking. Call (954) 524-8733 to reserve your room.
For a full list of events and times, visit hurricaneshowdown.net. This year features online scoring for the very first time. Follow the scores on the Hurricane Showdown website and on Facebook at facebook.com/HurricaneShowdown.
