Go Balls Out with West Hollywood's Lesbian and Gay Dodgeball League

The email popped up one Thursday. It was a seemingly harmless question: Do you want to be on our dodgeball team? Now I've played a lot of sports over the years (skiing, surfing, hiking, rollerblading), but never a team sport, and certainly not dodgeball. The first thing that came to mind was fifth grade PE class. I recall a lot of red balls flying and inevitably a few tears falling from the less fortunate.

I liked the idea of doing an activity with friends that involved more than drinking or shouting at a TV (football season). And I like the comradery that team sports offer, which I've really only observed from the sidelines of my former girlfriend's softball games.

So I joined a colorful, diverse co-ed team in the West Hollywood league appropriately named Listen Bitches. I suspect that our captain, Marissa, gave us that name after witnessing the difficulty of getting us to do just that. We are a rag tag bunch, which include Hollywood agents, real estate agents, music marketers and personal trainers, among others. To date we have one tie and two losses on our record, which isn't a total surprise, considering the absence of both strategy and attention on our team.

Curious about the impetus of the Los Angeles Dodgeball Society, I called the founder, Michael Costanza, to get the 411.

 League Founder Michael Costanza Playing

First off, what's your title?

It varies: Grand Puba, Daddy, DD (Director of Dodgeball)

How long has this league been going?

In LA, we've had organized dodgeball happening for five years, however this is only the third season in West Hollywood. It started at the Hollywood recreation center, and then expanded to Silverlake, Westwood (which is now over 300 people) and West Hollywood. The first four years, it was just fun and social. We had all kinds of themed off shoot events, including a Jr. High dance party reenactments, 4 Square Championships, Drunken Spelling Bees and Sloshball games. We realized people wanted something bigger, so I made this my focus.

Yep, this is his FULL TIME JOB. I had to wonder what really could be so time consuming about a dodgeball league?

Initially it's been creating the infrastructure with stuff like registration tools, shopping for insurance for members, the website updates, recording the scores, shirt orders and communication with the bars we bring the members to after game play. I'm also planning related events for members, like a beer pong tourney and Oscar party.

He's even talking to sponsors and documentary filmmakers, who have interest in this curious pack of LA hipsters.

How did you get roped into the league?

I've always been a nostalgic guy as far as style, facial hair, colors. I have a standing obsession with Burt Reynolds and Charles Bronson and I love old school music, which is a big part of the game vibe.

I wanted to have a game that both guys and girls could play without huge gap in ability. And most people haven't played since grade school, so there aren't world champions coming in with years of experience. With dodgeball, everyone can have a shining moment by executing a sneaky drill and getting someone out. This game doesn't cater to the best athletes. And really, the fun revolves around the team spirit. Winning isn't the primary objective.

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Is there a long-standing stronghold?

Reading Rainballs was the reining champs of both Weho, and Westwood. However, they lost their first game in Hollywood, which was humbling. Strange things can happen in dodgeball -- maybe a theme song triggers something good or bad and the team takes a turn.

What makes a good player?

People with the right vibe, those playing to have fun do better. At the purest, it's a team sport. Strategy comes in, but fun is first. And really, I suggest players be as fearless as possible. The Stay Puft balls are more forgiving because we inflate them to lower levels so girls can whip them too. It levels the playing field and lets everyone have a chance to play well. Plus, creative costumes make all the difference. In fact, I'd rather watch a team with a concept than great play.

Any suggestions on dodgeball attire?

I'm a firm believer in the tighter, the shorter, the better. The cape is out -- as it opens players to getting hit, which may be the wake up call they need. Or maybe buy some jean shorts. Tank tops are least constrictive and in general, I'm not a big fan of sleeves. The Halloween tourney is mandatory costume. And the spring tournament, which celebrates Costanza's birthday, is Mandatory mustache.

So the visual here is hundreds of guys and girls sporting sweaty, mustaches and tube socks while hurling balls at one another. Ah, I do love Angelinos. What motivates people to come out and play?

People from all walks of life join the Society. Some are just there to be social, while others are so dungeons and dragons, who obsessively track their stats. We have a mix, so most are a hybrid, who would like to win, but enjoy the social vibe regardless. The other team isn't their sworn enemy.

How did the SP league get its name?

Reminiscent of Ghostbusters, we tried to think of the most harmless thing - the Stay Puff Man. He (and the game) are not is as sweet as you wanted, but pretty harmless. And the SP League is, kinder, gentler dodgeball. We offer the Bronson (as in Charles) for the more hard-core players. 

Any highlights from past seasons?

Once I saw a rubber ball hit a girl in the crotch and it popped, which stopped the gym in their tracks. Hitting a guy in the nuts is always gratifying. I enjoy it as much today and the first time it happened.

So I must admit, that I'm sore from yesterday's game. All that sprinting has left my hip flexors feeling like never before used muscles. And my right arm is nearly impossible to lift. That said, I loved the game play and look forward to next week's grapple.

Come watch games at the West Hollywood Recreation Center or form your own league. Schedules, rosters and more photos can be found at https://dodgeball4ever.com.

Photos by Greg Keating & Jenn Kennedy