The Big Apple Softball League is NYC's ONLY LGBTQ+ softball league since 1977. We were founded to provide a league open and inclusive to all regardless of race, religion, age, gender expression or sexual orientation. We play a Spring and a Fall Season. Come Play!

BASL plays double-header slowpitch softball games on Saturdays & Sundays in a Spring/Summer Season. We aren't just about softball! We host numerous parties and events throughout the year including an Opening Party, End of Season Awards Ceremony, our annual HoliGay Party and monthly league wide socials. Our teams also host happy hours and fundraisers.

Playing with the BASL is a great way to get involved in the LGBTQ+ Community both on and off the field.

This past winter, the Big Apple Softball League’s very own Ginny Lentino was selected as the winner of the Fourth Annual Carey the Torch Award from the W. P. Carey Foundation.  This award brought a $10,000 donation to the Big Apple Softball League.  The Carey the Torch Award honors individuals who best exemplify Bill Carey’s sense of duty and lifelong commitment to “Doing Good While Doing Well” by making a positive impact on their community.  

Although she has a quiet demeanor, Ginny’s impact on our league and community has been undeniable.  Ginny’s rookie season was over thirty years ago when one of the only safe places for our people to express themselves openly was in a gay bar.  Over the past three decades, Ginny has generously volunteered her time and energy in leadership roles to give back to her beloved softball league and the greater LGBTQ community.  Her efforts have enabled countless individuals to participate in not only an athletic space but a queer community that fosters inclusion, diversity, safety, and family.  As a member of BASL, she has also raised countless charitable funds for the queer community and beyond.  She was the first woman inducted into the BASL Hall of Fame.  Ginny is the kind smile that welcomes new players and mentors new leaders.

The league would like to honor Ginny for winning the W. P. Carey the Torch Award and thank her for bringing this donation into the league which will help Big Apple Softball grow even more.  Thank you Ginny Lentino and thanks to the W.P. Carey Foundation.

Written by April Reed