As the clock strikes 9 p.m., Kansas State’s campus remains aglow. Not from classrooms or dorm windows, but from the towering field lights outside the Chester E. Peters Recreation Complex.
While most students stay in on Tuesday nights, preparing for their Wednesday studies, a handful of softball leagues wait for the famed two-word phrase: “Play Ball!”
Grant Gude, a junior in management, is the team captain for Bubbles & the Hitrockers — a name based on the Canadian sitcom “Trailer Park Boys.” The show is a favorite among Gude’s roommates, who came together to start a team.
“We live with a good group of guys who all used to play baseball growing up,” Gude said. “It seemed like a no-brainer to go out and have some fun.”
K-State Rec Services offers a variety of time slots and different league formats, from fraternity competition to independent competition that includes co-ed, male or female teams. The Hitrockers compete in the independent male league, but have played three females in its lineup.
Anne Borberg, a junior in entrepreneurship, is one of the girls on the 10-person squad. As a former softball player in high school, she’s enjoyed a slowed-down version of the game.
“It’s definitely a completely different game of softball than what I’m used to, but still so enjoyable,” Borberg said. “My favorite part so far would be how friendly everyone has been. If we’re winning or losing, our team and the opposing team will continue to talk and mess around with each other.”
In the team’s opening day 20-12 win, Borberg went 2-for-4 with a walk and two runs scored, and recalled an opponent saying, “‘We can’t lose to a bunch of girls.’”
Borberg said she grew up in a baseball-centric family with three brothers, including a twin brother, Ryan, who pitches at Dallas Baptist University with a 4.12 ERA. With that, she said a little chirping is nothing new.
“I’m used to my brothers saying stuff like that, and honestly, it brings a different kind of fire into me,” Borberg said. “I just love to compete.”
Gude went 1-for-4 with an RBI in the win, and said one of his favorite parts was playing defense in center field since he never had the chance to play outfield during youth baseball.
In addition to offering different league formats, Rec Services has time slots throughout most evenings during the week. For the Hitrockers, a late first pitch time was a matter of logistics.
“When fielding a team of 10 people, it’s hard to find a time when everyone plays and not worry about work or classes,” Gude said. “The 9 p.m. slot lets all of us come together — plus, it’s fun to play under the lights.”
For those hesitant about joining a rec league, Gude’s advice is simple: “Go for it,” he said. “You’re only in college for so long, and you might not have a chance to play again afterwards.”
