The first spring season for the Sunshine Coast Baseball Association (SCBA) has come to an end with some exciting tournament action and fun for all.
Having just formed in early March, the SCBA had little time to prepare for the eminent start of the season in April. While it was not without its glitches, the equipment, uniforms and game schedules were all sorted and distributed by volunteers and handed out to the 230 players. Association president Ward Ellis-Winters credits the hard work and long hours to the two registrars and board members Tracey Thompson and Nancy Ellis-Winters. In just two weeks, they pulled together the team rosters for every division and found coaches and other volunteers needed to start the season.
"From the very first night of play, you could see the smiling faces on the players as they met their teammates and started to play ball," said Ellis-Winters. "A big thanks goes out to all our sponsors this year. They make it possible for our players to play the game."
The youngest players, ages five to six in Rally Cap, made up the largest division with 60 players. Sponsored by Canadian Tire, they looked great in their new batting helmets and gloves.
Tadpole, mosquito and peewee divisions all participated in the year-end tournament in mid-June at Connor Park in Halfmoon Bay and the finals at Brothers Park in Gibsons.
Some great baseball games were played. A big thanks to umpire in chief Dave Lasser and his team of umpires -you could not ask for a more professional, knowledgeable and well-trained group.
The bantam and midget teams travelled to the Lower Mainland throughout the season.
For the bantams, player improvement resulted in terrific results as they finished with a 14-4 record and tied for first. They lost 9-8 in the semifinal in the league playoffs.
The midget team also had a good year lead by coach Bob Mercer who retires this year after more than 15 years of baseball on the Coast.
The midget team finished seventh out of 21 teams in the regular season.
In the playoffs the top eight teams fought it out, with the Coast squad finishing in fifth place.
"Our vision is to continue to introduce more players to baseball at the junior levels and get creative building the skill level for all players and improve coach and player development throughout the year," said Ellis-Winters. "The most important thing is to make it fun for all the players."
The association has plans to build a new batting cage and training facility in the off-season. Anyone who can volunteer or help with fundraising or in-kind donations can contact Ellis-Winters by email [email protected].
- Submitted
