Jack McGowan Gay Softball Collection
Finding aid created by James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center staff using RecordEXPRESS
San Francisco Public Library. James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center
2022
San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, California 94102
(415) 557-4567
sfhistory@sfpl.org
http://sfpl.org/sfhistory
Title: Jack McGowan Gay Softball Collection
Dates: 1974-2009
Collection Number: GLC 115
Creator/Collector:
McGowan, Jack, 1931-2009.
Extent: 4 cartons, 1 oversized box, 1 document case
Repository:
San Francisco Public Library. James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center
San Francisco, California 94102
Abstract: The collection includes photographs, programs, clippings, clothing, and publications on the Gay Softball League (GSL) and
the Community Softball League (CSL).
Language of Material: English
The collection is available for use during San Francisco History Center hours, with photographs available during Photo Desk
hours.
[Identification of item]. Jack McGowan Gay Softball Collection. Collection Number: GLC 115. San Francisco Public Library.
James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center
Donated by John Eby, June 4, 2009.
Biography/Administrative History
Jack "Irene" McGowan along with Mark Brown and Everett Hedrick founded the San Francisco Gay Softball League in the 1970s,
laying the foundation for other gay sports organizations and later the Gay Games.
Scope and Content of Collection
The collection includes photographs, programs, clippings, clothing, and publications on the Gay Softball League (GSL) and
the Community Softball League (CSL). There are program guides for the Community Softball League games versus the Police All-Stars
in 1975 and 1976. There are also buttons, awards, trophies, and end-of-season softballs signed by the teams. The photographs
(both loose and in albums) document games and social events. Albums include the Bush Street Irregulars, CSL Banquet and show,
Sutters Mill and Pendulum Pirates games in 1976, and the CSL Champs vs. Police All-Stars game in 1976. Clothing includes uniform
jerseys for the Sutters Mill, Rawhide, Renegades, and Castro Comets teams.
Gays and sports.
McGowan, Jack, 1931-2009--Archives.
Gay Softball League.
Community Softball League.