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THE VOICE of Pelham Wednesday, September 3, 2014
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
The ladies of Slo-Pitch The Pelham Slo-Pitch League Ladies Masters Division – comprised of women 35 years of age – are in dire need of new blood. Longtime ball player Linda Warren has witnessed the decline first-hand with shrinking members and even fewer teams entering each season. What was once a flourishing league filled with a wide diversity of players, now sits with question marks as they’re down to just four teams. The Masters division, which play league games at Fonthill Lions and Harold Black Park, are one of just several left in Ontario that offer the opportunity for women to play with others in the same age group. With many of those playing this year addicted to the sport, the concerns mount as their season draws to the end. “We’re down a few teams from previous year’s so we need more,” Warren said. “The problem is that nobody wants to run a team as they think it’s a lot of work to do when in reality, it’s only once a week that we get together and play.” Teams find the perfect balance of fun and competition. Hitting with a smile and sprinting full-speed to a base are a common occurrence during games. Something that has drawn the interest of many for the past decade. “The thing many of us like about the league is that you can be older and still play. You aren’t playing against 20-year-old’s – yet the league is still is very competitive.” Warren and her team went to the Slo-Pitch National’s in British Columbia during a previous season and look to take the same route sometime in the near future. While the skill level remains high, newcomers are always welcome. Warren says often it’s the newcomers who steal the spotlight as they often did not know they had a hidden talent in playing on the field. Sheryl Van Alstine, the daughter of United States National Senior Softball Hall of Fame inductee Sylvia Mergl, echoed the statements made by Warren. As a woman who played since she was little, the league remains close to her heart. “It’s very important to keep this league going,” Van Alstine said. “It’s a social event that promotes physical activity, so we’re hoping the younger generation takes over for us,” The decline rests in the popularity of co-ed softball and interests in other sports, Warren says. “You look at the cost of playing hockey compared to the cost of playing baseball and it’s huge. It’s really affordable to play and offers a great social atmosphere to be a part of.” While playoffs begin next week, the future of the Masters division still remains undecided. Instead of letting the game they love fade away, teams are on the search for those interested in participating in next years season. They are currently looking for teams, individual players and any support from the local businesses. To register for the next season, email slopitchniagara@ cogeco.ca.