Field of Dreams: Big Sur’s Beloved Softball Tradition
The Big Sur Softball League stands as a vibrant testament to community spirit, resilience, and the enduring love of the game. For over four decades, this league has been more than just a series of softball games; it's been a cornerstone of Big Sur's cultural and social fabric.
Link to website bigsursoftball.com
🌄 Origins and Evolution
Established in the early 1970s, the Big Sur Softball League began as a modest endeavor to bring together locals for friendly competition and camaraderie. Over the years, it has blossomed into a cherished tradition, drawing players from various backgrounds and age groups. The league's longevity is a testament to the community's dedication and passion for the sport. Even to the most casual observer, it’s clear that a Big Sur Softball game is anything but ordinary. Let’s start with the rules—there are 45 of them listed on the league’s website. Some are standard fare (“Only 16 players may bat per game”), but others are uniquely tailored to the quirks of the field itself. Over the years, the trees surrounding the diamond have crept ever closer, prompting some very specific guidelines. “Any tree over there is one base,” explains league commissioner Ira Comello, pointing to the dense thicket beyond right field. And if a ball ricochets off the massive sycamore trunk just past third base? That’s an automatic double. Then there’s the setting. The field isn’t nestled in a typical city park—it’s tucked away in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Since Big Sur is an unincorporated area with little flat land and no municipal park system, this rugged patch of state land became home for the league. The diamond is rough, riddled with imperfections—trees included—but players insist that’s all part of the charm. “There’s a joy in playing on that field,” says Aengus Wagner, a longtime league veteran. “You never know what’s going to happen.”
🥎 The 2022 Season: A Cliffhanger Finale
The 2022 season was particularly memorable, culminating in a nail-biting championship game that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Commissioner Chris Counts recounted the season's highlights in an episode of A Big Sur Podcast, emphasizing the league's ability to bounce back and deliver thrilling moments year after year . The final game showcased not just athletic prowess but also the deep-rooted community ties that make the league special.
🧢 Community and Culture
Beyond the games, the Big Sur Softball League embodies the essence of community. It's a place where families gather, friendships are forged, and local traditions are upheld. The league's events are as much about social connection as they are about sport, reflecting Big Sur's unique blend of rugged individualism and collective spirit. The Big Sur Softball League traces its roots back to 1976. Legend has it that a group of local guys approached Nepenthe cofounder Bill Fassett to sponsor their team. When he turned them down, they embraced the rejection and called themselves The Outlaws. In a poetic twist, that very team still plays today—now proudly sponsored by Nepenthe.
Over the decades, team names and sponsors have changed, reflecting the ever-evolving fabric of Big Sur’s small business community. Each team typically carries the name of a local business, which helps cover essentials like state park permits, T-shirts, and chalk for the field. As of the 2021 season, six teams took the field: The Outlaws, Bitters, Grangers, Condors, Esalen, and The Deli. While the names might shift from year to year, the faces remain familiar—many players come from families who have been part of the league for generations.
For the first time since its founding, the league took a pause in 2016 due to fires and in 2020 due to the pandemic, marking rare interruptions in its long, storied history.
League commissioner Ira Comello, who grew up along Big Sur’s remote south coast, recalls the excitement of weekly trips north to watch his father play. Now living on the Monterey Peninsula, Comello sees the league as a way to stay connected to the community that shaped him. “Part of the reason I agreed to be the commissioner of this league was so that I could stay involved in the community I grew up in,” he shares.
With housing in Big Sur more limited than ever, many players now commute from “town”—and their presence has become essential. As longtime player Aengus Wagner puts it, “The league wouldn’t happen if the influx of town people didn’t come.”
League Champions
1976 — Outlaws, 1977 — Outlaws, 1978 — Point Sur Naval Station Rowdies, 1979 — Outlaws, 1980 — Ventana Inn, 1981 — Ventana Inn, 1982 — Big Sur River Inn, 1983 — Big Sur River Inn, 1984 — Outlaws, 1985 — Rebel Wreckers, 1986 — Dogs, 1987 — Team 10 (aka "Team Town"), 1988 — Ventana Inn, 1989 — Ventana Inn, 1990 — Outlaws, 1991 — Ventana, 1992 — Outlaws, 1993 — Outlaws, 1994 — Outlaws, 1995 — Outlaws, 1996 — Dogs, 1997 — Outlaws, 1998 — Outlaws, 1999 — Outlaws, 2000 — Rebels, 2001 — Outlaws, 2002 — Outlaws, 2003 — Outlaws, 2004 — Burritos, 2005 — Burritos, 2006 — Burritos, 2007 — Deli, 2008 — Burritos, 2009 — Burritos, 2010 — Burritos, 2011 — Outlaws, 2012 — Outlaws, 2013 — Outlaws, 2014 — Deli, 2015 — Outlaws, 2016 — League suspended over fires, 2017 — Outlaws, 2018 — Outlaws, 2019 — Deli, 2020 — League suspended for Covid, 2021 — Outlaws, 2022 — Grangers, 2023 — Deli, 2024 — Outlaws
Link to website bigsursoftball.com
📣 Join the Legacy
Whether you're a seasoned player or a newcomer eager to be part of a longstanding tradition, the Big Sur Softball League welcomes all. Stay updated on league activities and connect with the community through their website. Link to website bigsursoftball.com
In a world that's constantly changing, the Big Sur Softball League remains a steadfast symbol of unity, passion, and the simple joy of playing ball under the California sun.