by Mathew R. Warren
The Yorkvillians had just beaten Balls out for Life in a heated one on one in the semifinals of the NYCSSC Upper East Side Dodgeball League’s Championship Tournament. They were about to face the Headhunters, their rivals, in a best of five final round, and the atmosphere was tense. Both teams lined up on the far ends of the court facing each other. Finally the whistle blew and the players made a mad dash to the center of the court to grab as many balls as possible.
After dominating in the first two matches, it looked like the Yorvillians were going to sweep, but the headhunters came back in the third match, holding out until in the fourth match the Yorkvillians took the championship in a five on one flurry to victory.
This was the Yorkvillians first championship since the break up of the Upper Beast Siders, their original team, who had faced the Headhunters in the final round of the league’s last three Championship Tournaments. John Cashin, co-captain of the Yorkvillans, explained what the rivalry meant to him, “You are only as good as your rival. Without them what would we be?”
Founded a little over a year ago in the Gym of Saint Stephen’s Church on 82nd Street between York and 1st Avenue, the New York City Social Sports Club’s Upper East Side Dodgeball league now has over 20 teams, and close to 300 players. As is Dodgeball’s tradition, all teams are co-ed. Sammy “Miami” Greenes, a female member of the Yorkvillians expressed, “It makes it a lot more fun having guys and girls, there’s more strategy.”
Games are taken seriously with two referees judging each game. “We make a couple hundred calls a night, so there will always be some disputes. But mostly people are here to have fun.” stated referee Dan DiGiacomo.
Though competitive, the social aspect of the league is definitely emphasized. “It’s a lot of fun. I get to hang out with my friends and sweat a little.” said Victor Neves, of the Saint Catherine’s Park team, the other half of the original Upper Beast Siders.
Amy Short, who started the league and is now the Commissioner described, “Whether they are looking for someone to date, someone to hangout with, or just someone to throw balls at, people find it here.”
For some players, winning isn’t the only element to comprise strategy, “If you hit a girl in face you are not going to get her number.” said Angel Wuelner, captain of the Invinciballs, a team that didn’t make the Championship Tournament, but were in attendance to cheer on the other teams. Good sportsmanship is no doubt a big part of the league, as was evident when “Miami”, after catching a ball to win a match, immediately hugged her opponent.
It is easy to see why the league has become a community event for young adults on the Upper East Side. “It’s hard to find a place to fit in in this city. We wanted a place where people could feel at home and have fun on a weeknight.” explained Short.
After the tournament, it was on to American Trash on 1st Avenue between 76th and 77th Street for food and drinks. The bar was filled with players still wearing their uniforms, but by this point in the evening socializing was all that mattered and rivalries were put aside until next season.
If you are interested in learning more about the NYCSSC’s Upper East Dodgeball league check out their website at NYCSSC.com.
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