Back in 1991, Joe Green wanted to play softball. But as a gay man, he didn’t always feel comfortable being himself in other leagues. That was until he heard from a friend about a more accepting softball league.

“For me, it wasn’t easy to be out,” Green said. 

He ended up joining the Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association, an organization that focuses on facilitating the growth of sports in the LGBTQ+ community. 

Headquartered on the North Side of the city, the group has served queer people for almost 50 years — though athletes do not have to be a part of the LGBTQ+ community to join.

“To play with other gay and lesbian people, there’s a real sense of community there,” said Green, who is now the commissioner of the association’s open softball league.

Green isn’t alone in feeling this way. Michael Richardson, who plays for one of the softball teams, joined the organization 25 years ago.

After moving to Chicago from Philadelphia, Richardson said he felt “very isolated” because he had no family or friends here. 

“I just was looking for a way to connect and be around my community,” Richardson said.

Benji Robinson, another athlete, said he’s gotten to know his teammates well. He’s in his first year in the league, and joined after the recommendation of a friend. 

“It just feels a lot more welcoming and accepting, and everyone’s truly cheering each other on,” Robinson said. “It just feels like a very healthy group to be a part of.”

Kevin Hill, a team manager, said the camaraderie also extends to people on opposing teams.

“Everybody’s out here to have a good time and enjoy one another,” he said.

This is Green’s second year as commissioner of the league. He also has served as an umpire and as a sponsor for more than 25 years with the organization, earning him a spot in the CMSA Hall of Fame.

The league began in 1978 with 16-inch softball before adding other sports during the offseason.

“The softball league then expanded to football because everyone knew each other,” Green said. “Softball’s over, and what else can we do?”

Since then, CMSA has grown exponentially. The association’s website now advertises 14 sports, including flag football, kickball and pickleball. The softball league also has grown, with teams traveling to play in tournaments in cities such as Milwaukee, Dallas and Seattle.

Green emphasized that the league is much less concerned with athletic ability than it is with forming a sense of community.

“It’s a safe place for people to come out and play regardless of your skill set,” he said. “I actually met my husband through softball as well. We’ve been together 20 years.”

Green said he’s also met friends when the teams traveled to other cities to play.

CMSA also has become a source of support during difficult times in the LGBTQ+ community. Some players, including Green, were active in the organization in the height of the AIDS epidemic.

“No one knew what it was. There were teams that, the next year, half their players were gone,” Green said. “It was kind of a sad state, and everyone was worried.” 

But he added, “We banded together, came back.”

In the future, Green hopes to grow the competitiveness of the league. 

“People get a lot out of playing at a competitive tournament, which has turf fields, real fences,” he said. “I think to get people to play at a different location gives them better perspective.”

Above all, Green said he’s grateful for the impact CMSA has had on him. 

“The passion I have for this organization, it’s given me a life,” he said.

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