Texans love sports, so it was natural that the Pegasus Slowpitch Softball Association, which began in 1982, would remain popular.
It even started out that way. From the inception, it rapidly grew to 15 teams. By the time the group hosted the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance’s World Series in 2004, Dallas was fielding 28 teams each softball season in an assortment of divisions, from serious-minded athletes to weekend warriors and intramural amateurs.
The Miss PSSA Pageant, which has taken place annually since 1986, raises money to send teams to the World Series. Started about the same time is Switch Hitters where teams do skits, often in drag, also to support travel to the championship games.
Dallas teams have done well in the World Series over the years. Four times a Dallas team won its division (including the team pictured above), and 18 times they have placed in a top ranking. Two PSSA members have been inducted into the NAGAAA Hall of Fame — Bill Smith in 2003 and Matt Miller in 2006. Those are impressive stats, considering the NAGAAA, the gay softball league, consists of 45 leagues with more than 800 teams located across the U.S. and Canada.
This year, PSSA will host the World Series for a third time (the first was in 1988). Opening ceremonies take place the day after Pride in Downtown Dallas at Annette Strauss Square in the Arts District, and Games will be played Sept. 22–27 in Kiest Park in Oak Cliff and Softball World in Euless. The league is even looking for a third venue. Quite the accomplishment in 32 years, and proof that Texans feed off competition.
DESIGN INDUSTRIES FOUNDATION FIGHTING AIDS
1984
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition May 16, 2014.