DC Loves Kickball

DC is full of transplants.  Each day a new young, eager, fresh-faced college grad makes his or her way inside the beltway to do his or her part to make the world a better place, but let's face it: social justice, environmental sustainability, affordable healthcare, and world peace are freaking hard, so thousands of young-DCites make their way to the National Mall after 5:00 to let loose with a game of good old fashioned kickball.  Yes, that's right: kickball.  It's the same game you played in 3rd grade recess, only this time there's copious amounts of beer at the end to both the winners and losers.  Bottom line: kickball is a great way to spend some time outside (in a pretty fantastic location) and meet lots of new friendly people.  There are several big kickball leagues in the city, including WAKA, DC Kickball, and the league to which I belonged, NAKID. 

Games are played in locations other than the National Mall as well, but you have to admit... there's something quasi-patriotic feeling about playing elementary school games with the Capitol Building as your backdrop...

Thursday night kickball on the National Mall

Some leagues are more competitive than others (e.g., WAKA has a reputation as being pretty serious about their kickball, whereas NAKID has more of a "we're just here to have fun" mentality.)  Ask your friends about their experiences and impressions.  Kickball leagues also organize social events off the field for their members, like scavenger hunts, movie nights, and wine tours.  Hopefully you're a flip cup fan, because DC kickball is often times more about the drinking games that come afterward than the actual game before; that said, the atmosphere is still extremely welcoming even to those who aren't the biggest fans of this beloved post-sport sport.  Also, DC kickball is for kids of all ages; I'm nearing the big 3-0 and I was far from the oldest person on my team, so don't let age deter you from getting out there and having a great time.  I'm considering signing up again for the Fall season, but opted to skip the Summer.  (Have you been outside lately?  It's just freaking hot...)  Feel free to leave comments with your thoughts or anecdotes about kickball in DC!

Damn straight.