After all, Cappas was the Coady Roundball Classic (CRC) tournament director for seven years before stepping down from that post earlier this year, and he was the co-chairman of sports for the 2006 Gay Games in Chicago.
The board also includes Jack Neilsen (chairman and founder), Joe Cappelletti (director of finance), Brian Redar (director of operations) and Aaron Brost (director of marketing/special events).
“As President, my role is to lead the Executive Board in the planning and execution of the event,” said Cappas, 38, who lives in the Andersonville neighborhood. “I play a strong role in setting the agenda and direction of our organization. I think one of the reasons I was asked to be part of this organization is my ability to keep everyone on task and to focus on what is important to have a successful event. We have a very strong executive board. Every member has held a leadership position in either running [the Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association’s] softball league or our annual July 4th ChiTown Classic. Though we have different titles and responsibilities, we all work collaboratively in the planning and execution. Everyone brings a set of skills needed for a successful event. Having Jack, Aaron, Brian and Joe on the board was very important to me accepting this position.”
Cappas is a self-employed collateral examiner for commercial lending institutions.
“I will draw on my experience with both events [the Gay Games and the Coady],” Cappas said. “Joe Cappelletti and I were co-chairs of sports for the Gay Games. We continually refer back to the Games to note what worked and what didn’t work. I think that experience alone is invaluable, as it is always easier to do something like this for the second time.
“With the CRC, I know what it takes to run a successful tournament. Sometimes people get caught up or overwhelmed by the bigger picture and don’t worry about the details. I think one of the reasons the CRC has been so successful has been our focus on the details. Each year we try to put ourselves in the shoes of a player and walk through the entire weekend and figure out what will make this tournament the most efficient, well run and exciting tournament they have ever played in.”
Cappas has been a successful player in the annual World Series, too. In his first, in 2000, his B-Division team finished in third-place. Cappas also played in 2001 (San Francisco), 2002 (Portland), 2003 (Washington, D.C.), 2004 (Dallas), 2005 (San Diego), and 2006 (Fort Lauderdale).
“Having participated in seven World Series, I know what an amazing event it is,” Cappas said. “The World Series brings together the best gay softball players and teams from across North America to compete at the highest level. Beside the competition, tournaments like this have a strong impact on our community, our players and our city. Similar to the Gay Games or other gay sporting events, they break down stereotypes for both people in and out of our community. In addition, they provide home for gay male athletes to compete in a sport at the highest level and be proud to be part of the LGBT community.”
The 2011 Series is expected to draw more than 3,000 players and 600 games for a week’s worth of games.
The 2010 Series will be held in August in Columbus, Ohio.
The North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance (NAGAAA), which runs the Gay Softball World Series, is a predominantly male event. A separate all-women’s World Series also is held annually; however, CMSA did not bid to host that event in 2011.
Cappas said he likely will not be playing in the 2011 event. “If anything, I may try to get on a team’s roster, but would only be available for spot duty or pinch hitting. In all likelihood, I will be too busy making sure things run smoothly.”
Cappas said the board’s goal is to “plan and execute a well-run, fun and exciting World Series. Obviously we have no control on how people play and who wins the tournament, but we do have some say in everything else.
“Our organization will busy planning, fundraising and training volunteers for the event. We obviously have fundraising goals that we need to meet to make this a successful tournament. With over 4,000 people coming to Chicago for the week, it is a great opportunity for potential sponsors. We also will be hosting fundraising events over the next 12 months to bring awareness to the World Series, raise funds and cultivate a large team of volunteers.”
More than 175 teams are expected, including some from Canada.
We expect over 4,000 people from over 175 teams coming to Chicago to compete in over 600 games during the week,” Cappas said. “Besides the softball, we will be hosting evening social events throughout the week including the Opening and closing ceremonies, and the World Series Talent Show. We plan on showcasing our wonderful City and neighborhoods throughout the week.”
Cappas said his fondest World Series memory came in Toronto in 2000.
“It was my first World Series and I went up to Toronto with no expectations,” he said. “Our team had not played that well during the regular season, but we hit our stride in Toronto and made a great run towards the title. We had some key injuries late in the week which hurt us during our final two games. Obviously winning makes the experience better, but we had a great group of guys/friends that made that week every special.”
The next major fund-raiser for the 2011 Gay Softball World Series is Saturday, Sept. 11: The Virgin Drag Review, when many CMSA players will offer their first performances ever in drag. The event will be held at Hydrate Nightclub, 3548 N. Halsted, starting at 8 p.m. The admission is $10 and pizza will be served. Proceeds go to support the 2011 Series.