Arts & Entertainment

‘Capping’ off the season

Local gay softball league celebrates undefeated winning streak

Published

14 years ago

August 2, 2012

Kevin Majoros

The CAPS in action. (Photo courtesy Billy Richardson)

The Chesapeake and Potomac Softball League (CAPS), an LGBT softball league, wrapped up their summer league season last weekend with rain-delayed season games played on Saturday and the End of the Season tournament on Sunday.

The District Dawgs, sponsored by the Blade, had a phenomenal season going 15-0 during the summer to win the DuPont Division and finishing fourth at the season ending tournament.

The CAPS summer league consists of 18 open teams (mostly men) in three divisions and six women’s teams in two divisions. The league follows the sanctions established by the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance.

The District Dawgs were established in 2009 as the D.C. Fury and switched to their current name earlier this year. With not much player turnover, they were able to grow as a team over the years.

“We had some great momentum going at the end of last year,” says Dawgs player Jake Trees. “After the season wrapped up in August, we went on to win the season ending tournament.”

The Dawgs play in the DuPont Division which is a C category division. According to Alliance guidelines, that places the players somewhere between competitive and recreational. All of the players in the CAPS leagues are ranked into categories before they are assigned to a team.

League officials test player abilities such as throwing from third base to first base or being able to hit to each part of the outfield. They are then placed on teams with similarly skilled players.

The District Dawgs had 12 players return from last year and added four new players to the squad that would go on to post an undefeated record in season play. They range from 21 to 50 years old.

As is the case with all the teams in the CAPS summer league, the Dawgs began the preseason with weekend practice sessions to hone their skills. After practice they could often be found at local restaurants or at one of their teammates’ swimming pools.

“Our strength this year came from consistency and the fact that we know each other so well.” Trees says. “Coach Billy Richardson had the tough job of deciding who would play each week and in what position. We all wanted to play all the time.”

Coming up for the District Dawgs is a trip to New York City on Labor Day Weekend where they will compete in the Gotham Softball Classic 2012. Last year they ended up second in the tournament which is contested on the fields in Central Park.

Also coming up is the possibility that the Dawgs may have to move into the B Division next season. The CAPS are considering a new rule that would require any team winning 75 percent of their games to move up to the next division.

While the task of advancing to a more skilled division is daunting, Trees acknowledges that decisions made by the CAPS board are based on the need to grow and maintain the league.

More information is available at eteamz.com/caps/.

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PHOTOS: Lambda Legal in the Pines

Fundraiser held at ‘Normal Heart’ house

Published

23 hours ago

July 31, 2026

Guest photographer

A scene from the 'Lambda Legal in the Pines' fundraiser on July 25. (Photo by Santiago Felipe)

The LGBTQ organization Lambda Legal held its annual “Lambda Legal in the Pines” fundraiser on Saturday, July 25. The event was held at a house on Fire Island featured in Ryan Murphy’s 2014 HBO film, “The Normal Heart.”

Organizers say over $500,000 was raised to support Lambda Legal’s national litigation and advocacy work.

(Photos by Santiago Felipe)

Out & About

Come showcase your singing, poetry talent

Spark Social open mic night planned for Aug. 13

Published

1 day ago

July 31, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m.

Get ready to share your talent or just kick back and enjoy some great performances. This event is a fun, laid-back vibe where everyone’s welcome to take the stage. Sign-ups are first-come, first-served, but you can also DM Spark Social on Instagram to reserve a performance spot. Whether you’re a singer, poet, or comedian, this is your chance to get on stage and share your art. More details are available on Eventbrite.

Calendar

Calendar: July 31-August 6

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

1 day ago

July 31, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, July 31

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at DIK Bar. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Saturday, August 1

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Sunday, August 2

“Black Gay Flea: Summer Kickback” will be at 12 p.m. at Wunder Garten. This is a space created to celebrate Black LGBTQ+ creatives, artists, makers, entrepreneurs, and the community that shows up for them. Come spend the afternoon shopping with local vendors, discovering new brands, supporting small businesses, and connecting with people from across the DMV. More details are on Eventbrite.

Monday, August 3

“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).

Tuesday, August 4

The DC Anti-Violence Project will host “Soul Centered” at 7 p.m. at Thurst Lounge. This is not a dating event in the traditional sense. It is a space to meet kindred spirits, future collaborators, mentors, friends, or maybe someone who reminds you of what’s possible. Romance may happen, but it’s not the expectation. For more details, visit DCAVP website.

Wednesday, August 5

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.

Center Aging Women’s Social & Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. To register, visit the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.

Thursday, August 6

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the Center. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.

Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.