We're stretching the "BOA" conflict-of-interest rules a bit here, because Chronicle people were among the wizened founders of the ASL in 2008, when five teams recruited from local offbeat businesses (Waterloo Records, Emo's, KOOP Radio, BookPeople, and the Chron) got together for a good-feeling, co-ed league. In one year the league has doubled in size – two divisions, 10 teams – still hewing close to its ideally laid-back, amateur atmosphere, even as the quality of play has gotten more adept and more competitive. No streakers yet this year, no steroids, but plenty of cool, canned beverages, and it's only a running gag that players found not to be under the influence of mind-altering substances are subject to suspension. At the ASL, it's all about playing the game.
