Perhaps it’s due to being a well-known college town, or perhaps there is just something in the southern air, but it seems like “Tallahassee and team sports” go together like “pork and beans.”
Chances are right now you can look to the left or right of you and speak to someone who played a major sport in high school and/or college. Some athletes are lucky enough to go on to professional careers and many past and present pro players started their love of sports in Tallahassee recreational leagues as children.
As an adult, your excitement about playing these sports doesn’t have to end just because you’re no longer in school or didn’t get picked in the 1st round of the NFL Draft.
In my career, I am often met with surprised faces when I mention that I play for a recreational co-ed softball league. Many people, especially those new to the area, do not realize there is an option to join a sports team in Tallahassee, though they may have always wanted to play a sport to keep up with exercise or because they miss the thrill of getting the big “W.”
The Tallahassee Parks & Recreation has many different options to choose from if you’re looking to get that team victory fix. From recreational to competitive, tennis to volleyball, there isn’t much you can’t do.
My passion is Friday night co-ed softball. This is a sport that I am able to do with my husband, to stay fit and have bonding experiences.
We play in the “rec league” which isn’t as much pressure to perform, but we still have a good group of athletes who love to have fun and play the game. Friday night games do not compete with his men’s league games, nor my daughter’s fast-pitch games during the week, and with the playground on site and the fact that it’s a weekend, we don’t have to worry about getting a sitter.
If you have been considering playing a team sport, but don’t know where to start or how to get hooked up with a team, there is a “pick-up” list you can add your name to where the team coaches can contact you if they are low on players. There is also a Facebook group called “Tallahassee Slowpitch Softball” you can join and put your feelers out there to see if anyone could use a new player.
Or just head down to Tom Brown Park on any given evening during the season with your gear and someone will be willing to pick you up for a game!
For more information about how to join or start your own team, check out the Parks & Rec link on Talgov.com. To see how the Joe Manausa Real Estate team is sizing up, come check us out on Friday nights at Tom Brown Park!