SAN DIEGO -- The America's Finest City Softball League (AFCSL) will launch it's 29th year on March 21st, offering 3 months of fun, exercise and competition to hundreds of local LGBT softball players. In order to get players in the mood - there will be two league sponsored kick-off parties.

Pre-Season Count Down to Opening Day at Gossip Grill
This Sunday, March 14 from 2pm - 5pm, there will be a special gathering for AFCSL members at the Gossip Grill, located at 1440 University Ave, in Hillcrest.

There will be Happy Hour specials, jello shooters and raffle prizes to get everyone in the mood for the upcoming spring softball season.

Gossip Grill is a proud team sponsor of the AFCSL.

Opening Day After Party to be held at Bourbon
On the following Sunday, March 21 from 3-7pm, another proud AFCSL team sponsor - Bourbon Street, is hosting the official Opening Day After Party. Bourbon Street is located at 4612 Park Blvd in University Heights.

The AFCSL season will begin that morning, with games at both Hour Glass fields in Mira Mesa and at the Poway Sports Complex.

The Bourbon Street staff welcomes you to join them afterward for a BBQ on their patio, complete with domestic pitchers of beer specials and well drink specials. So come on down after your opening day games, take a load off and grab a cool one.

History
Started in 1981, the AFCSL has continued to grow and foster relationships within the local gay community - often giving opportunities to those who never had the chance to play organized softball in their younger years.

The league's Web site states that their intent and rules focus on "safety first, with spirited competition and camaraderie second." There is an "Open Division" which is comprised of both men's and coed teams, and a "Women's Division." Each division has 4 participation / capability levels: A, B, C and D.

AFCSL is part of the North American Amateur Athletic Association (NAGAAA - www.nagaaasoftball.org), the host organization for the annual Gay Softball World Series (GSWS) and the Amateur Sports Alliance of North America (ASANA - www.asanasoftball.com), host for the annual Women's Softball World Series. Up until last year, the two events took place concurrently at different host cities every year. San Diego hosted the GSWS in 1997 and 2005.

This year the GWSW (men's & co-ed) will be held in Columbus, OH, August 16-21 and the WSWS (women's) it will be held in Las Vegas, NV, Nov 2-6.

AFCSL has also hosted the very popular Autumn Classic softball tournament every October since 1983.

Morgan M. Hurley is the Copy Editor for SDGLN. She can be reached at (877) 727-5446, x710 or at morgan@sdgln.com.