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We were here first ya know!
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To
laugh, have fun, enjoy the jewel of each other's company on and off the
softball diamond.
No worries now, friends forever.
YFB
HISTORY
As
with any legend, there is always debate as to its true origin. Such is
the case with Ya Fat Bastehds. Depending on who you ask, Ya Fat Bastehds,
or "YFB's" as they are affectionately known, began anywhere
between 5 and 15 years ago, as an American Legion Softball League squad,
or as a traveling exhibition team - going from state to state entertaining
the kiddies every Saturday afternoon for a nickel.
Well, what we do know about the YFB's is this: They were formed in New
York City - more specifically on Ward's Island - around the mid to late
1990s. Ward's quickly became their "home away from home" between
the months of March and September. If you were to ask their other family
(or their "real" relatives) where they were on any given day
of the week, they'd tell you that you could find them on the sun-stained,
hypodermic needle-riddled, often neglected but never duplicated fields
of Ward's Island, playing a game that is near and dear to their hearts:
quarters.
But when they're not drinking...or eating...or complaining...or sleeping,
they're playing softball. It has served to provide them with not only
an excuse to get out of work early, but also the opportunity to duck out
on family get-togethers and shopping for school clothes for their kids.
Most importantly, it has brought together a group of people who might
have never met otherwise. Although they represent various levels within
advertising (as they collectively play in an all-advertising agency league
during the summer) as well as other divisions of the corporate world,
they come from different backgrounds, races, neighborhoods, and beliefs.
They have come together for one reason: their love of softball. Coincidentally,
this love of the game has led to long-lasting friendships, as well as
new found relationships and even a marriage or two...oh, and some kids,
you can't forget the kids.
Alright, the real deal on their history: The team's name originated from
a saying that was first used as an insult, but quickly became the rallying
cry for a rag-tag bunch of misfits who grew tired of "serious"
players and "take one for the team" corporate idiots who played
as if they were being paid extra for it (which, to this day, we still
believe some are - no names!). From this hatred of middle-aged jock wannabes
who were trying to recapture someone else's youth, the YFB's were unknowingly
born. The name has come to be known as a term of affection; if someone
calls you a Fat Bastehd, someone must really, really like you. Either
that, or you need to hit the gym a little more often. Either way, it's
all good.
As time passed, they would begin to grow their numbers through such events
as the Sports
Illustrated Softball World Series, the NYACSL
pre- and post-season parties, monthly get-togethers, and the now infamous
annual yuletide celebration, affectionately entitled, "A Fat Bastehd
Christmas." All are welcome regardless of creed or credo - just bring
a gag gift and eat up.
Today, our legion of devoted Fat Bastehds has grown beyond our wildest
dreams. Although many of us have moved on to a world outside of advertising
and softball, that common bond built on respect, comraderie, and the love
of the game - and each other - has propelled this once laughing-stock
ensemble into a respected contender year after year. All without compromising
their belief that if softball is life, then this IS living.
And they can still pack away the food, too.
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