We caught up with local softballer Matthew "Gator" Dickherber to find out more about the local softball scene.

did you start playing here?
I met the league commissioner Tim Anderson at a bar. We were playing darts, I overheard him talking about softball, so I came out, and it’s been a match made in heaven.

How is softball different than baseball?
You can drink a beer during softball. Plus, the ball moves much slower so you have more time to react.

Is softball popular?
There are more and more teams. I have friends that come out and watch us play, then we party afterwards. It’s always a good time, because every team is sponsored by a bar. Nobody gets too crazy except for maybe China Jim.

Do you play overseas?
There are a few international tournaments. One or two teams will go and try and make the best of it. We’ve played in Bangkok, the Philippines, Indonesia and Korea.

How is the season structured?
There’s a fall season and spring season every year, with an A league and a B league. We play 18 games and then a double elimination playoff. I’m a little sour since we lost the championship game this year.

What about the league?
The league has been going strong for 15 years. In the ’80s, it was pretty much a beer league, but it’s gone through a lot of changes. It’s the best part of my week. If we could, I’m sure we would play all year ’round. This is the best league I’ve ever played in.

Is there a home run derby?
We have a small competition towards the end of each season. I happen to have won it this year and last, but that makes me sound stupid. There’s a number of guys that could definitely steal it from me.

Find out more at www.softballshanghai.com