In Frankfort, Friday Night Lights Are for Co-ed Softball, Too

Jon Small was at Frankfort's Commissioner's Park and ready to play ball on Friday, as he was most Friday nights this summer.

But on this night, there was something different: He looked more like a Jan than a Jon.

Small was wearing a dress, with the intention of making his team’s final game of the season special and memorable. He also brought some costume accessories for his teammates.

"It's our first year as a team and we're not going to make the playoffs, but we're still out here having a good time," Small said. "We've had a blast this year and expect to be back next year."

The Frankfort 12-inch co-ed softball league has been very popular for both sexes on Friday nights. The league consists of eight teams, and games are played at 6:30, 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30 p.m.

"We have a lot of husbands and wives who now get a chance to play together," Frankfort Park District Athletic Director Scott Tierney said. "I don't know of any other areas that have the league on Fridays, which is good for husbands and their spouses, especially with their work schedules and kids."

The league wrapped up its regular season Friday, as Jamesons (7-0) capped a perfect season and kept the Fangs (0-7) winless.

Jamesons is in its fourth season. Husband and wife Tom and Ann Magdziasz brought together some of their friends, as well as some people they got to know at health clubs, to build the team.

"We have three couples on our team, so it's good for them." Tom Magdziasz said. "We put 20 people on the roster because you never know who is going to be able to get together every Friday, but it's always good to see each other."

Amy Klein wasn't overly disappointed that the Fangs didn't pick up a “W” this summer. It was the first season for her team, and she and her teammates benefited greatly from the experience, she said.

"The social aspect of playing with friends was very nice," Klein said. "And we did get a bit of exercise."

During Friday’s 7:30 p.m. contest, the Ramrods clinched a playoff berth, surviving a late rally by Total Chaos to win 16-13. Both teams entered the game with 3-3 records, so the winner advanced to the playoffs while the loser will have to wait until next year.

"We sucked during the first game we played but we've gotten better all season," Ramrods player Brian Leahy said. "I'm used to playing in competitive men's leagues, but we gave this a try this year with a bunch of friends and have had a blast."

The top four regular-season teams advance to the playoffs, which will begin on Aug. 26. The league’s games are played in the same fashion as regular 12-inch softball except for a few special co-ed rules. Defensively, five men and five women must be on the field at all times. Offensively, the batting order has to alternate between male and female. If a male player receives a base on balls, the ensuing female batter has the option of hitting or also accepting a walk.

Small's Old Plank Tavern (2-4) was scheduled to play Empty Pitchers (5-1) in the game's final night at 9:30 p.m. Although Small was wearing a woman's dress, it's very doubtful he was allowed to play as a woman. Still, Small's blue dress most certainly gave blue (aka the umpire) a chuckle.

And isn't having a good time with friends and having a few golden sodas what co-ed softball is all about?