By Jeff D'Andrea

P.A. softball honours important figure in 20th anniversary tourney

Jun 8, 2016 | 5:18 PM

When the Prince Albert Minor Softball Association was setting up a tournament to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Astros/Aces Developmental Fastpitch Organization, the name came easy.

The Danny Boisson Memorial Super Tourney is the name of the game, after Prince Albert local Danny Boisson who was involved in the sport as both a player and coach for close to 40 years.

“He’s been in the game for so long and it was a real opportunity here as a 20-year anniversary just to honour him,” tournament chair Felix Casavant said. “He lost his life tragically in a car accident in December of 2014, otherwise he’d still be trying to play, you know? It’s a good tribute for him, as well as his family.”

Boisson’s memory will be especially honoured on the opening day Friday, June 10. His two sons will team up to throw the ceremonial first pitch — Robbie will deliver the pitch to catcher Cory.

“It will be a touching ceremony for the family, but also a great tribute for him,” Casavant said.

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Casavant hopes the tournament can raise anywhere from $8,000 to $10,000 through 50-50, concession, beer garden, banquet, dance and other initiatives.

All proceeds to the event will go to the $1.4 million diamond improvements the association will need to host the Junior Men’s World Softball Championship at Prime Minister’s Park in 2018.

Casavant said the organization has already raised roughly 75 per cent of the improvement money needed, which has now fluctuated to $1.4 million as the Canadian dollar has lowered.

“It’s coming really well and there’s no doubt in my mind that we’ll reach that,” Casavant said.

There will be two separate men’s tournaments, the six-team A/B tournament and eight-team C tourney. Games start on Friday at 5 p.m., with the tournament championships to be held on Sunday.

In addition, there will be alumni games on Saturday, the women’s alumni game at 12:30 p.m. and the men’s alumni game at 2:30 p.m. Saturday’s banquet and dance will highlight the Prince Albert Astros team that will be inducted in the Softball Saskatchewan Hall of Fame, the first P.A. team to receive such an honour.

jdandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_dandrea