A member of the Whalers aims for the fences. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Play ball

Prince Albert Slo-Pitch League aims to hit home run with upcoming season

Feb 15, 2023 | 3:00 PM

In less than three months, the sounds of softballs cracking off the bat, or the cheer from the crowd as a player makes a game-winning catch, will echo across Lakeland Ford Park.

Fees for the upcoming Prince Albert Slo-Pitch league are due by March 31. Noting pre-COVID there were as many as 65 CO-ED teams registered, League President Trevor Gunville revealed to paNOW they had around 45 teams last year.

“We’re still in the planning stages for the upcoming season but with the nicer weather we’ve had, people have been contacting us so it’s time we get the ball rolling a little bit,” he said.

Gunville acknowledged he would also like to bring the men’s division, noting they do have a few registered this year. And with respect to anyone who just wants to play, but doesn’t yet have a team, Gunville encouraged them to send a message through the league’s Facebook page or to contact him directly by phone (306-980-7185).

“I take a list of people who at looking for teams to play with and I try to accomodate them as good as I can,” he said.

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One of the ongoing issues for the league, even pre-COVID, was finding enough men and women to make the tough calls. Gunville explained the need for umpires is still great, adding the roughly half dozen dedicated umpires they do have are over worked.

“They just ump too many games so we are looking to get some young guys or girls to come out to ump, whether it’s Grade 12 students, someone looking for summer employment or somebody who has maybe played the game and moved on and this would be a good opportunity to stay involved,” Gunville said.

Umpires can make $60 to $65 a night and there is an umpire clinic which consists of both classroom and on the field training.

Gunville added they are also in need of sponsors for the individual ball diamonds. Local businesses who are interested can reach out through the league’s Facebook page. The season is scheduled to start in May.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell