TV and movie luminaries top rockers in ball game on heels

by Rob Gallagher

Cleveland--Saturday�s abrupt and rainy end to the Cleveland Pride festival did not dampen the divas� spirits at the North Coast Athletic Association Softball League�s third annual drag softball game the next day.

Around 300 people came out for the six-inning Sunday game, which was also called early due to rain.

The TV/Movie Star team defeated the Rock Stars in a closely fought 76 ballgame. The Rock Stars had a 61 lead at one point, then in the fifth inning the TV/Movie Stars made a tremendous comeback with the coach, Ugly Betty, leading the way.

The home team, the Rock Stars, headed by Ace Frehley of Kiss, tried to make a comeback in the bottom of the sixth inning but went down in order 123.

Cheering for the Rock Stars were the Fish cheerleading squad. Cheering for the TV/Movie stars were the Clitty Cats. During the fifth inning, the Fish gave an outstanding rendition of Tina Turner�s �Rolling on a River.�

After a ten-minute rain delay following the fifth inning, the fans filtered back into their seats and the cheerleaders met behind home plate for a hilarious, crowd pleasing cheer-off in the style of the film Bring it On.

Music entertainment was also provided throughout the event by one the players from the Crossover softball team, Brad King.

Also giving an outstanding performance was the Blazing River Freedom Band, playing numbers such as the national anthem, �I�m a Barbie Girl� and �Hang on Sloopy.�

�The softball league would like to thank all the volunteers, players, coaches, cheerleaders, DJ, and fans for helping make this event successful, and building community spirit and Gay Pride after every Pride festival,� said softball league commissioner Greg Rivera.

More information about North Coast Athletics Softball League, who are hosting this year�s Midwest Invitational Softball Tournament, and about Drag Ball can be found at www.northcoastsoftball.com.

Rob Gallagher is the vice-commissioner of the North Coast Athletics Association Softball League.