Impact

Softball League 559

A sports team forms for people who are on the road to recovery from addiction.

Individuals recovering from addiction often seek social settings and activities that can help them stay away from drugs or alcohol. One such place happens to be a softball league in Fresno, California, that was designed just for people who are fighting to remain substance-free.

“There’s no filter. There’s no buffering. We all know we’re all in recovery out there,” said Connor O’Neal.

O’Neal is a member of Softball Recovery League 559, a team dedicated to providing a social space for those recovering from addiction. O’Neal said he and his teammates value the social opportunities they’ve found in the league.

“Why are all of these people hanging out together? None of them belong. They don’t belong,” said league founder Art Esparza. “And that’s how recovery is. It’s like, we don’t belong, but we do.”

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