2009 Athlete of the Year
Leading by example, John Deffee is the positive role model that other gay athletes can look up to

It’s hard for John Deffee to talk about his team’s Gay Softball World Series win without fighting back tears. The effort that his Roscoes Coors Light HP2 Toros put forth during that week of play in September was the zenith of years of hard work, sweat and sacrifice. As coach and pitcher for the Toros John has experienced a lot of success and joy over the years, but this win was unlike any other

(It was an even greater achievement, in part, because John was battling an infection in his lower intestine all week!)
“The greatest thing for me was seeing how proud the boys were when they won,” John told me. “They made tremendous sacrifices. Seeing (his teammates celebrate) makes it all worthwhile.”

The elation John and his team experienced, however, wasn’t only a team victory, it was a victory for all the players in the Cactus Cities Softball League, for which John has served as commissioner for the last three years. Being able to represent his hometown league and make his fellow athletes – whether they are A, B, C or D players – proud of the accomplishment makes it all the more satisfying. When one team wins a tournament, they all win.

By achieving such success on and off the softball diamond, he leads by and serves as an example to hundreds of gay and lesbian softball players hoping to attain their own goals. For this reason, John Deffee has been selected as the Compete Magazine Athlete of the Year for 2009.

After moving to Tucson from San Antonio in 1994, John began his journey with Arizona’s gay softball community. Quickly learning first-hand about the politics that often are involved – a few weeks after joining, while playing in his first tournament, other teams protested that he was too good to be in the division in which he was playing - it wasn’t long before his casual weekend hobby started demanding more of his time. He took on increased leadership roles with various teams over the next decade, something that would eventually lead him to the commissioner’s position.

But it wasn’t like those years as a player, coach and manager were without stumbling blocks. For one, he worked doubly hard to get an unsponsored team through league play and to the World Series – a World Series they ultimately won. And even after ascending to the commissioner’s seat, he had to put up with a negative perception of his team, arguably the best in the league.
“As the only ‘A’ team, people should have respected us; but they didn’t,” said John.

Instead of continuing to be “that team” that shows up to win games and then is conspicuously absent from after-parties and league-wide events, John decided a few years back that his team needed to change its image. Now, you will find John and his team members helping others with their hitting, fielding, running or throwing skills. Now, he encourages his team members to step up and serve as coach to teams without a leader. In fact, he finds time during his hectic week to do the same. Now, he says his team “is more respected in the league because we participate and try to help others.”

The positive image he has tried to create for his team extends beyond the boundaries of the gay softball league in Phoenix. The Toros regularly challenge themselves by playing in mainstream tournaments around town. And they don’t just play, they win! Their reputation has gotten so superior, in fact, that players from other teams in these tournaments have approached John about the availability of roster spots on the Toros. That’s a far cry from their first year of playing in such tournaments, at which they had to endure jokes about their sexual orientation, comments about them being “girls” and even one team that refused to shake their hands.
Apparently, the numbers on the scoreboard have done a lot to change people’s attitudes. It’s the focus on that positive image that truly makes John stand out. Whether he is leading his team to a Sunday morning league win, a tournament championship over a “straight” team, or a successful run through the GSWS, John insists that they play for something greater than themselves.
“We have a bigger obligation than just playing the game,” he says, insisting that being respected and appreciated are equally important.

The hard work, the late hours, the personal sacrifices – they’ve all been worthwhile for John. The example that he has set, not only on his team or within his league, but across the country, is unparalleled. As good as he is at the plate or on the pitcher’s mound, he represents the best in sportsmanship off the field, and has an impact on his community that far exceeds softball.

Testimony:
“He desires for all, regardless of the particular sport, to share in the positive aspects that athletics brings into all our lives.”
Aaron Fullerton
Assistant Commissioner, Cactus Cities Softball League

“Having a front row seat, as the only gay sports bar in Arizona, we have seen many coaches, teams and gay athletes come and go. None have been more dedicated to sportsmanship and class as John Deffee has.”
Justin Alt
Owner, Roscoes on 7th

“In my two decades of participation, I have never witnessed anyone lead a team in any city to the level John has; and to do so in such a short period of time is impressive.”
Joe Wilson
Team Member, Roscoes Coors Light HP2 Toros

THE JOHN DEFFEE FILE
Hometown: San Antonio
Age: 38
Occupation: Technical Product Specialist, Trapeze Software Group
Favorite Sports Teams: Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs
Favorite Movie: Bull Durham
Heroes: Mom, Grandmother