OPEN division is open to anyone. Both have subdivisions where skill levels vary from “experienced” to “never played.”

We play double-header slowpitch softball games on Saturdays & Sundays in a Spring/Summer Season, but 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 LGBTQIA+ Community both on and off the field.

Meet your Coaches of the Open Division!

Panarace : Craig Slutzkin - Coach of The Rookies

Why did you decide to become a manger?

I had helped the previous manager organize the team each year for a few years. When he moved and left the league, it seemed like a natural progression.

How long have you been in the league?

13 years, I started in Fall Ball. Back then, teams from the regular season remained in tact for Fall Ball, if they wanted to participate. I believe there were six teams, and I was assigned to the Rookies, where the league commissioner was the Manager. I’ve been on the team ever since.

What’s your favorite thing about managing a team? What’s your least favorite thing about managing a team?

The favorite thing is putting together the jigsaw puzzle that is the lineup and field positions. Trying to balance individual strengths with team needs. Hands down, the least favorite is stressing that we may not be able to get 10 people. I despise forfeiting.

What makes you want to come to softball each week?

Seeing a great group of folks who I love to spend my Saturdays with. I have made many friends in this league – and not limited to just my teammates.

What does BASL mean to you?

It represents camaraderie. It represents a place where people can come enjoy the national pastime in a safe and comfortable environment and play with other people who are just like them. For many years, this was the only “game” in town for many people. LGBTQ+ folks weren’t always welcomed into “straight” leagues with open arms. That’s why the MCAA (the precursor to BASL) was created. Times have changed, but in many ways, this still represents the most inclusive place to go to enjoy playing the sport.

Meet your Coaches of the Open Division!

Panarace : Amie Stone - Coach of The Sirens

What makes you come to softball every week? My teammates 

Why did you want to become a coach? It wasn’t by choice originally but I’m glad I stepped in and kept the Sirens going.

What advice would you give someone that would like to become a coach / manager? It’s not always easy organizing the team but the camaraderie of my teammates, other league players , and the league itself make it all worth it

One random fact that someone doesn't know about you? I’ve been skydiving twice

What does BASL mean to you? Inclusion, respect, acceptance, and fun.

A few sentences of reflection of who you are.

I played competitive fast pitch softball up until I was 18 years old. It has been a great feeling getting back on the diamond after all these years later. I look forward to playing softball with my teammates on Saturdays and enjoy having a few laughs with them afterwards. In my free time I’m most likely cooking something, spending time with my family and friends and going to live music shows.  Another fun fact about me is I have never met a french fry I didn’t like.

Meet your Coaches of the Open Division!

Panarace : Tony Laufgraben Coach of the Renegades

What makes you come to softball every week? I love playing softball. Played little league when I was a kid. Makes me feel young. I am very competitive.

Why did you want to become a coach? My team needed someone to step up. Many teammates were burnt out from managing for years. And I Love making the lineup for each game. And I am very competitive.

What advice would you give someone that would like to become a coach / manager? Watch another person, shadow them and use some of their techniques. But you have to find out what works well for you and your personality.

One random fact that someone doesn't know about you? I worked for Friendly's Ice Cream restaurant for 7 years. 

What does BASL mean to you? It is like a family. Straight, Gay, Bi, Trans, Questioning. Everyone gets along and has respect for each other. It is a lot of fun. I have played in other leagues but this one is the best!

I am a gay married, older guy who works during the week and enjoys playing softball and managing on the weekend.

I am very competitive and sometimes I am my worst enemy. Off the field I am very soft spoken and laid back. I help my family as well and I am a sole caretaker of my mom. Age has made me wiser, but I wish that I found BASL when I was in my 20's and coming out. But I am very happy to be in BASL now. 

Meet your Coaches of the Open Division!

DIMA : Mike Brouse  - Coach of The Warriors

What makes you come to softball every week?  MY LOVE OF MY GUYS AND THE GAME ITSELF.  THE ENJOYMENT OF WATCHING MY GUYS LEARN AND IMPROVE WEEKLY

Why did you want to become a coach?  TO TEACH HOW TO LEARN THE GAME, HAVE THE PATIENCE, WATCH GUYS IMPROVE, LEARN TO GROW MYSELF FROM OTHERS AND TO GIVE BACK ALL THE 30 PLUS YEARS I HAVE PLAYED AND LEARNED FROM THE GAME.

What advice would you give someone that would like to become a coach / manager?  DONT GO IN THINKING IT IS ALL EASY AND ALWAYS FUN.  IT CAN BE FRUSTRATING AT TIMES BECAUSE YOU ARE TRYING TO BALANCE 14-15 OTHER PEOPLES EMOTIONS AND PLAYING TIME.  YOU ALSO HAVE TO REALIZE THERE IS MORE THAN JUST FILLING OUT A LINE UP CARD-THERE IS A LOT OF FOLLOW UP, PRE-GAME, EMAILS, BABYSITTING, THERAPY WITH GUYS AND TEACHING TEAM PLAYING.

One random fact that someone doesn't know about you? I JUST TRIED BRUSSELL SPROUTS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE AND I LOVED THEM-LOL.  NO REALLY-I WOULD SAY OFF THE FIELD I AM A SOFTIE AT HEART.

What does BASL mean to you?  IT WAS MY FIRST INTRO TO NY SOFTBALL IN 1986 AND I LOVED THE REPRESENTATION OF BEING ABLE TO BE A GAY PERSON PLAYING SOFTBALL AND GOING ALL OVER THE COUNTRY REPRESENTING THE GREATEST CITY IN THE USA.  

Meet your Coaches of the Open Division!

DIMA : Anthony Napoli - Coach of the Pizza Rats

What makes you come to softball every week? I come to softball because I have a team that I consider good friends and really enjoy getting to spend a few + hours with them competing against other friends and after each doubleheader we are able to all share in the same love for one another and be part of this community. 

Why did you want to become a coach? I have always been good with leading by example and being a manager allows me to do such; I also love a fun challenge and I know the game fairly well; I am able to help certain players come into their own and be a positive guide for them (on and off the field)

What advice would you give someone that would like to become a coach / manager? My biggest piece of advise is to become a Manager for the right reasons; someone who is selfless will thrive and knows how to get the best out of the team/players and be a calming leader when things go south. 

One random fact that someone doesn't know about you? I played Scrooge in my 8th grade production of A Christmas Story, and I killed it!

What does BASL mean to you? BASL has allowed me to be able to let me be myself(the caregiver and competitor) more than I ever thought I could be and has allowed me to make lifelong friendships and be a positive influence for the new waves of players that come into the league year in and year out.

Meet your Coaches of the Open Division!

DIMA : Mikey Cordova - Coach of the Eagle C

What makes you come to softball every week?

The community of friends and family that I have received from being a part of BASL since 2012 is what makes me come out to softball every week.

Why did you want to become a coach?

I wanted to become a coach as my previous Coach, Jeff James, asked me to take over the team to manage which was an honor to me and I wanted to do what he did for me and my teammates for future Team Eagle players to come.

What advice would you give someone that would like to become a coach / manager?

Managing can be a lot of fun, work, and patience, but in the end ... know that you are building and creating community for your players within our LGBTQA+ community which makes it all worth it in the end for all of us to have a safe space to play softball together.

One random fact that someone doesn't know about you?

I was on an MTV dating show "Parental Control" while in college... 5 minutes of fame ... haha :)

What does BASL mean to you?

BASL means community, family, and friendship as I have made life-long friendships that I consider to be family from this league and within other NAGAAA leagues across the country from the tournaments that I have been fortunate enough to attend with my team and other teams on a yearly basis. This league has given me so much and I am happy to give back by being a coach for Team Eagle in the DIMA division.

Meet your Coaches of the Open Division!

Fitzpatrick : Bryce Thomas - Challenger - Coach of The Mustangs 

What makes you come to softball every week? The enduring friendships throughout the league and being a part of the Mustang family. The team is truly close on and off the field. 

Why did you want to become a coach? I had the opportunity to play for marvelous coaches, Joey Fracchiolla, Anthony Giannoccora and Heath Augustover who all inspired me to take the next step of becoming a leader.

What advice would you give someone that would like to become a coach / manager? Patience, love for the game, being a people person because managing is more than xs and os, its relationship building and adapting to personalities. 

One random fact that someone doesn't know about you? I am a retired NYC Police Officer. 

What does BASL mean to you? BASL to me means family gathering. Participating in a sport we all love, supporting each other being all inclusive and most of all, having fun!

Lastly it is a pleasure seeing our community display not only their softball skills but demonstrating professional talents. I thank the board members for all that you do.

Meet your Coaches of the Open Division!

SACHS : Michael Post - Coach of The Clippers 

What makes you come to softball every week?  I love any excuse to be running around outside all day with a bunch of great people .

Why did you want to become a coach? Our coaches were about to become parents and were looking for someone to take over - I was really excited at the opportunity to carry on their great job and to lead such an awesome team.

What advice would you give someone that would like to become a coach / manager?  It's really easy for your mood to rub off on the rest of the team, so stay positive, keep things fun, and get rowdy

One random fact that someone doesn't know about you? I've played the trombone since I was eight and most recently was part of the Lesbian and Gay Big Apple Corps concert band!

What does BASL mean to you?  BASL welcomed me with open arms when I first moved here and was looking for a way to make some friends in the community and a small escape from the city each weekend. Since then I've made a ton of friends, been able to lead an awesome team, and had opportunities I never would have before like playing at a minor league stadium and marching at Pride.