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Approximately 150 teams came to Seattle in late August from across the U.S. and Canada, including Fort Lauderdale, for the annual NAGAA gay softball World Series, dubbed “Northwest Quest.” The teams played in four divisions of open play, plus a separate women’s division.
“The Series is always a fun event, if only because you get to see so many people from other cities. That’s one reason I really enjoy the event, aside from traveling with my teammates,” said Abe Hasbun, commissioner of the South Florida Amateur Athletic Association (SFAAA) Open Division who served as the World Series coach for Rosie’s Blue Ice, which competed in the C-Division and ultimately finished ninth out of 47 teams.
SFAAA sent five other teams to Seattle, including Alibi C5 of the top-ranked A-Division. Scandals Maulers and Bill’s Filling Stations Raptors each played in the B-Division, while the Sidelines Cyclones competed alongside Blue Ice in C and Taladin’s Knights were in the D-Division.
“Even if your team doesn’t do very well, the experience makes up for [your team’s results],” said Hasbun, 34, a past Series player on multiple occasions. “The World Series is the best of the best. Being a competitive person, you want to go out there and be the best in the nation. The competitive juices really flow.
“The event is really well organized and there truly was a sense of camaraderie among the Fort Lauderdale teams.”
Several SFAAA players had exceptional Series showings, such as catcher Ryan Schmuck (Cyclones), infielder Michael Koch (Blue Ice) and third baseman Bobby Hovey (Knights). Each of the three was named MVP for their respective teams.
In addition, the Blue Ice claimed the C-Division’s Sportsmanship Award.
“To win the Sportsmanship Award really means a lot. I think that award truly shows the character of the team. The team was very proud of that award,” Hasbun said. “The team was extremely happy with the result, though we lost to the Dallas team that won (the C championship).”
The SFAAA last hosted the World Series in 2006. The 2009 action will be held in Milwaukee, then in Columbus, Ohio, in 2010.
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