Forecasters are calling for temps in the mid-70s and sun on Sunday, perfect weather for the opening-day festivities for the City of Brotherly Love Softball League season.
Games will kick off in the morning at Fairmount Park, with the opening ceremonies starting at 11 a.m. at Dairy Fields.
There will be 31 teams this year, the same number as last season, and about 700 players, said commissioner Steve Mast.
The league picked up about 50 new players this season, which will run through July.
Players will compete in three different divisions — competitive, recreational and women’s.
Mast said there will be playoff rounds at the end of this season, a new addition to the format.
“All three divisions decided that this year they want to determine winners by playoffs,” he said. “So we will have playoff games at the end of the season.”
In addition to prepping for the CBLSL season, many players are also gearing up for two late-summer events — the Gay Games in Cleveland in August and the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance World Series in Dallas in September.
“Other than that, we’re pretty much business as usual,” Mast said about the CBLSL season, now in its 31st year.
On opening day, longtime CBLSL sponsor Stephen Carlino, co-owner of Tavern on Camac and U Bar, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. A host of local political leaders will be on hand and the league will also introduce all board members and teams and present several awards to members and supporters.
Carlino said you don’t have to be a CBLSL member to enjoy the festivities.
“Everyone can come out and see the great camaraderie in the league,” he said. “There will be some great games and people hanging out all throughout the day.”
For more information, visit www.cblsl.org.