Re-live Schoolyard Glory Days With Largo's Adult Kickball League

Largo's Recreation Department offers a unique opportunity for residents to re-live their grade-school glory days with an organized adult kickball league.

Twelve to fifteen players stock each team and compete in as many as ten games including a single elimination playoff to determine the champion.

“You’d be surprised at just how competitive it gets,” said league organizer Brian Harter.

The idea was hatched in the Fall of 2008. Harter and other staff members convened after a lengthy summer camp for kids at the recreation complex. Kickball is a staple activity for the summer camp kids. All it requires is a baseball diamond and a rubber ball. The discussion continued until Harter asked, “Why can’t we do this with adults?”

The rest as they say, is history. The kickball league has had resounding success the last two years.

“I’ve actually had to turn away teams,” Harter said.

“If I had more fields, I’d have more games,” he added.

The rosters fill up very quickly and with only one playing field to work with, Harter limits the league to six or seven teams.

A spot on the kickball team fills up quickly.

“About 80 percent of the people that played last year were returning players from the year before,” Harter said.

While the competition can get pretty fierce, the ultimate goal is fun and socializing. Many teams are comprised of friends and co-workers. Players are attracted to the appeal that they can hit the competition with the ball to get them out. In that regard it's similar to dodgeball.

If you live in Largo and want to re-visit a part of your childhood or if you are just looking to have some fun with some other grown-ups, you should check this out.

Go to www.largosports.com and click on the link to “kickball” for information on how to sign up.