Old Timers Baseball Weekend!
By Kevin Martin
Wow! The weather cooperated beautifully for the 35th Annual Western Canadian Oldtimers Baseball Championship hosted by Kindersley on July 15 to 17. A total of 8 teams competed to duke it out for honor of calling themselves champions.
Berard and Flanagan fields were busy with the sounds of bats hitting balls, balls hitting gloves and spectators cheering on their favorite teams. The crowds were sparse but vocal!
Kindersley 1st baseman Ken Pritchard said he has been playing ball a long time and will continue to do so for as long as he is able.
This author didn’t realize that even in baseball, equipment changes can help you not only play better but longer. The catcher wears a triangle shaped pad on the back of his calves. This helps with balance but also prevents extra wear and tear on the knees. This padding helps them to play longer and give more “spring”.
This was a fun event and the Saskatoon Joes beat out the Regina Drifters by a score of 3 – 1 to take the title. Kindersley finished in 4th, losing out to the Saskatoon Sportsmen 9 – 6. Many chances were had for Kindersley but their bats went cold at the most inopportune times!
All in all it was a successful weekend for the Kindersley Klipper Baseball team and also a big win for our town as visiting teams appreciate the quality of our facilities. And with the heat? The beer gardens won also!