A KICK OUT OF KICKBALL
I sat down recently with Dennis Crump, organizer of the UAE’s first ever kickball league, to share a coffee and good conversation about everything related to the art of this unique game and how a dream was turned into reality…
Paul D: You were born in Chicago, Illinois. What was life like growing up there?
Dennis: Growing up in Chicago made me a survivor. The negative media Chicago receives is sometimes the truth and sometimes not. If you can make it out of Chicago, you can make it anywhere. My view on life is to take advantage of it and find a plan to ensure you are successful.
Paul D: How has growing up there shaped your perspective?
Dennis: Many friends and family members’ lives were cut short in Chicago due to violence. These unfortunate incidents taught me to cherish life. My parents had four sons which include me, Shaun, Darius, and Johnathan. All of my parents’ children have been shot or killed except for me, and I am the oldest at thirty-five years old. Shaun was murdered by gun violence in 1996, Darius is paralyzed from the waist down due to gun violence in 1999, and my younger brother, Johnathan, was shot in the back and hip in 2010. These tragedies pushed me to have a better life. My main goal was to get out of Chicago to find a better way. The great aspect about Chicago is the togetherness of the city. We come together when times get tough.
Paul D: Your story is an impressive one of survival and triumph. I joined your kickball league last year and playing on my team, The Desert Kickers, has been one of my best experiences in the UAE thus far. Explain the art of kickball for those that have never heard of it.
Dennis: Kickball is by far the easiest sport to learn and play. It is played similarly to baseball and softball. Instead of using a bat, players use their feet to kick the ball and run to the various bases. The ball is a 10-12 inch sized, red, rubber ball that is rolled to the kicker. Once the ball is kicked, the kicker can be hit with the ball to be called out or have the ball thrown to the base.
Paul D: Kickball was popular for many in the USA during childhood. Why are adults so excited about this sport?
Dennis: I think it’s because adults want to be kids again. Everyone wants to have fun, and everyone wants to get fit. It’s popular because people of all shapes and sizes can play. We not only play kickball but party, travel, and socialize as a family.
Paul D: When did you first notice it taking off with adults in the US?
Dennis: I noticed it when I was approached by a group of women who were playing it recreationally. I also have a refereeing company so they contacted me and asked me if I can provide officials for their respective leagues. I helped improve the league by adding elements of organization with which the ladies were not aware. After that, leagues started popping up in Atlanta everywhere and word spread that I organized them and provided officials. That’s how it took off in the adult world.
Paul D: Your sports company that oversees your kickball events is called 3C Sports. Can you explain the inspiration of that name?
Dennis: 3C is named after my three daughters who last names are Crump like mine. While trying to find a name for my company, I wanted to find a meaning that would remind me to stay motivated and give my all to the company. The best thing to do was name it after the people for whom I would die. The name means something.
Paul D: How can people find out more about your activities in the UAE?
Dennis: They can e-mail me at 3ckickball@mail.com.
Paul D: Well, I have to say I got a kick out of this interview. Can you back away to the other side of the restaurant, so I can ball up the check and kick it to you?
