Back in the U.S.S.S.A.


OregonUSSSA

I had never heard of USSSA before a couple of weeks ago, when I was asked to play in their Kickball tournament. So, being the type that would scour the rules to possibly gain the slightest advantage, I set out to know more.

First of all, I knew that USSSA (United States Specialty Sports Association) picked the right city to hold their new Kickball tournament [cheap applause]. Portland is producing some really great Kickballers lately (sorry Seattle), and it’s exciting to see where we are going. I also found out that “U-triple S- A”, as it’s affectionately called, has a rich Baseball and Softball history, which should translate well to Kickball. And if their website video is accurate, that history is full of fireworks, high school band chants, and ESPN commentators.

[quote align=’right’]It’s a neutral showcase for both Underdog and Recesstime, the two biggest Kickball leagues in town. A chance to square off against each other, on equal footing.[/quote]The more I found out, the more I liked USSSA. I’m excited for this tournament, but not because of the fancy marketing and oddly designed website. It’s a neutral showcase for both Underdog and Recesstime, the two biggest Kickball leagues in town. A chance to square off against each other, on equal footing. As someone that would read an article about Kickball, you’re aware of the rivalry.

These leagues have different rule-sets, and the rules create the atmosphere of the sport. In a way, it’s like both companies use the word “Kickball” to describe similar, but contrasting ideas. Underdog has paid refs, uses a standard Baseball diamond, and each field you play at can have it’s own champion. Recesstime provides exotic pitching and some large bashes (with an open bar).

So It’s a rare thing that Recesstime and Underdog can compete against each other. Personally, I look forward to the struggle, so when I’m a grandpa, I’ll tell my grandkids about:

  1. That one banging’ Kickball tourney way back in 2014
  2. We used to have to remember things! Inside our minds, not on ring phones!*

I hope you’ll be at Delta Park on October 4th. Grab your cleats, your water bottle, and your ego. Let’s try out a brand new tourney, see what it has to offer. Whomever wins, its good for Kickball, and good for Portland.

Check out that aforementioned website, http://www.oregonusssa.com/usssa-leagues.html

*In my future, ring-size phones exist. And my future loves rhyming ‘ringtone-ringphone’ in their advertising.

 

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