The September Edition

Big League What?

Back in 2006, Maurice and Dematas were in the middle of launching a social kickball league. With that came a lot of logistical details, like permits and paperwork. When it comes to filing such logistical things, a company needs one thing. This isn’t the story of how the league began - it’s the story of its name.

For months, the question lingered: “What should we call this?” They tossed around ideas, but nothing memorable. Nothing stuck. Then one day, both founders were walking around in CVS together. They were grabbing their favorite candy and their favorite gum: Big League Chew. The moment felt right away like fate. Kickball was the sport everyone played as kids in elementary school. Big League Chew was the gum you stuffed into your cheek in the dugout during a Little League game. Together, the two captured that same carefree, playful spirit - only this time, carried into adulthood.

“It takes a long time to come up with a name,” Maurice remembers. “You want something that sounds good and catches on. " When asked if over the years he's ever thought of another name, he responded, "No. Once you have it, you just don’t look back.”

A young Maurice was not just a fan of Big League Chew, but also of kickball - two things that would eventually come together!

At first, each sport stood on its own - Big League Kickball, Big League Dodgeball, Big League Volleyball, etc. - but eventually they all came together under one umbrella: Big League Sports.

Even now, some things haven’t changed. Every year, when the league paperwork gets notarized, the same joke comes up: “Big League Kickball? Ever think about doing Little League Kickball?” And to this day, Maurice continues orders cases of Big League Chew to keep in his drawer at home.

In the end, the name wasn’t just catchy - it was a bridge between the games of childhood and the community they’ve built today.

Celebrating Milestones!

This season marks two incredible milestones in our league: Jiminy Kick It (JKI) celebrating 15 years and New Kicks on the Block hitting their 10-year anniversary. Both teams have grown from humble beginnings into squads that are still thriving today - and both are currently riding hot streaks in their respective divisions, holding back-to-back championships.

Jiminy Kick It (JKI) – In their 15th year

JKI’s story started back in 2011 as a church youth group team. In fact, one of the original stars was a pastor who helped set the tone for the team’s spirit. Over the years, JKI has seen plenty of changes, but its legacy of fun has never wavered.

Current captain and BLS superstar Gino is now the face of the franchise, but he wasn’t from the beginning. In his first season, he wasn’t even part of the original youth group - he was actually tricked by a friend into joining, with no clue about the team’s religious origin. That twist of fate turned into something special, and under his leadership, JKI has cemented itself as one of the league’s most consistent contenders.

New Kicks on the Block – Celebrating their 10th anniversary

In 2015, two teams - New York Kicks and Balligerents - faced off in a week 8 consolation game. Rather than parting ways after, they decided to join forces and form what became New Kicks on the Block. The merger proved to be a perfect match, and the team has been a staple of the league ever since.

Their story is tied closely to JKI, too. Max, now a star for JKI, was one of the OG New Kicks players back in 2015 before making the move in 2017. On the flip side, current New Kicks captain Chris actually debuted with JKI in 2016 before finding his way to New Kicks in 2022, where he now leads the team with energy and determination.

So, what’s the secret behind these two teams' longevity and success? It’s not just their talent. It's the lasting friendships, the shared history, and the way they've evolved over time while staying true to their roots. As they celebrate these milestone anniversaries, Jiminy Kick It and New Kicks on the Block stand as a testament to the fact that kickball is more than just a game - it's a community that lasts.

Jiminy Kick It - 2017

New Kicks on the Block - 2015

Kickball Clash: 1 Week Left to sign up!

Clash of the Cities Tournament: Stamford vs. Westchester

Our famous Clash of the Cities Tournament is back! Solo players can sign up as a free agent and choose to represent either Stamford or Westchester.

After you register, you'll be randomly assigned to a team on the side you've chosen to defend. It's the ultimate showdown, and we're looking for players to join the battle!

Spots are limited, so registration will close once we hit capacity.

Don't miss your chance to be a part of the action.

Tournament Details
* Teams: Co-ed teams of 11 vs. 11 on the field.
* Team Selection: All players enter as free agents and will be randomly assigned to teams on the day of the tournament.
* Games: All players are guaranteed a minimum of 3 games.
* Prizes for players, including a chance at a free season of BLS!

Click this link to register NOW!

BACK-TO-BACK

With Summer season coming to a close, here are the current Back-to-Back champion holders! Check back next month to see if any other teams made it in as the rest of the summer leagues finish up!

*All champions are two time champions unless otherwise noted.

Upcoming and current Fall Leagues

Click Here to register for your fall leagues!

Fun Fact Corner

Big League Flag Football has a record 14 teams signed up this season - the most they've ever had!

Where in the world is

Big League Sports?

This Big League Superstar matched her boba drink to her sand colored BLS shirt while visiting the Mall of America in Minnesota!

Email us a photo of you wearing or holding a Big League shirt to be featured in next month's newsletter! BLSSidelines@gmail.com

Meet the Author

Ariana Tringali has been a Big League Superstar since 2018. She has played in many different leagues: coed kickball, women's kickball, softball, volleyball, dodgeball, pickleball, and even soccer!

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