In preparation for their imminent kickball playoff game, a player from the she/they kickball league stretches on the dirt field on April 25, 2026. Photo by Zoe Malen

The quintessential San Francisco fog was the only dull thing at the James Rolph Jr. Playground last Saturday when Kayla Velloso arrived for a game of kickball that would determine her team’s place in the upcoming league championship. 

Players on her team, Pitch Please, arrived in shirts that read “Kickball is gay” across the back, ready to take on their opponents: Dyke Heaven. Competition is fierce, but the league tends to keep things light, with witty team names, guest dog outfielders, and jokes about dating members of the opposing team.

The league is run by OutLoud Sports, a national organization that programs sports like kickball, dodgeball and soccer for queer people and allies across the country.

Kayla Velloso, of Pitch Please, stretches before her team’s playoff game on April 25, 2026. Photo by Zoe Malen.
A group of people standing in a circle outdoors, each with one hand extended into the center, preparing for a team activity.
The kickball team, Pitch Please, put their hands in for their team huddle before starting the game. Photo by Zoe Malen.
A person squats on a baseball field near a small dog, with a chain-link fence in the foreground and people gathered in the background.
A player on the opposing team, Dyke Heaven, crouches on the dirt field with their dog, Chicken, before the game begins. Photo by Zoe Malen.
A person with blonde hair wears a black shirt with red text reading "KICKBALL IS GAY," sitting outside near another person on green bleachers.
Pitch Please players wait in the stands for their turns to kick. Photo by Zoe Malen.
A person wearing white athletic shoes is kicking a round object with a smiling face printed on it on a dirt surface.
Starting the game off, a player strikes the ball into the air before running to first base. Photo by Zoe Malen.
People playing a baseball game on a field, with one person running toward a base and others positioned around the diamond; trees and spectators are visible in the background.
Dyke Heaven players stay alert in the field, running to cover all bases mid-play. Photo by Zoe Malen.
Two people are playing kickball on a dirt field; one person holds the ball while another runs past them in a blurred motion. Trees and buildings are visible in the background.
A Pitch Please player catches the ball before the opposing player hits first base. They’re out! Photo by Zoe Malen.
A woman in a black beanie stands by a chain-link fence with her hands clasped, while two people stand in the background on a grassy field.
Kayla cheers on her team, Pitch Please, as she watches from the sidelines. Photo by Zoe Malen.
The two teams shake hands after Pitch Please wins the game. Photo by Zoe Malen.
Players change out of their cleats before leaving the field. Photo by Zoe Malen.
A group of people gathers outdoors; two people hug in the background while others smile and talk in the foreground.
The game is about more than just competition, and it’s all love after the game. Photo by Zoe Malen.

The championship game is being played at the James Rolph Jr. Playground at 2850 Cesar Chavez St. on Saturday May 9 at 1pm.

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With a bachelor's degree in journalism, centering on film and media production alongside visual storytelling, Zoe Malen has a well-rounded focus when it comes to digital media.

New to San Francisco, she is excited to unpack new opportunities to get to know the area and emphasize the strength in community stories.

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