The inaugural City of Yelm Parks and Recreation Department summer kickball league is the city’s latest offering for adults to indulge in recreational sports.
The league began Monday, July 8, at Longmire Park with six teams competing for the title of the best kickball team in Yelm. The double-elimination style tournament will continue through the summer and conclude with the championship game on Aug. 7.
Line Roy, the City of Yelm’s communications and recreation coordinator, organized the kickball league as residents made it clear they desired more sports following the success of the Prairie Days Charity Mushball Tournament.
“It’s super fun to see that everyone is really having fun. People are excited to be out. It’s super low pressure,” Roy said. “Yelm has been needing stuff like this. We needed things for adults to do that are outside, fun and energetic. There’s so many kids leagues, but as soon as you grow up, you have to grow up. We’re trying to get their inner child to come out.”
The 507 Varsity Team, made up of employees of the 507 Taproom, came together for the kickball league and to enjoy social bonding experiences outside of work.
“It’s odd to see them out of their daily roles and get to see a little bit less professionalism and more of their personality. It’s been amazing,” James Tucksen, the team’s pitcher, said. “I dig it because a lot of us keep it 100% professional in our daily lives. It’s been fantastic.”
Derrick Platt, a customer of 507 Taproom, got called up to the big leagues four hours before the team’s game on Wednesday, July 17.
“It was a cool team to work with. I didn’t know many people, but we became closer during the game. Competition really brings people together,” Platt said. “I played well, but I couldn’t have done it without my team.”
The 507 Varsity Team will not be competing for the championship, but the kickball league continued on Wednesday, July 24, with two games and the semifinals slated for 7 p.m. the following Wednesday at Longmire Park.
