What does a tournament with a full slate, an abundance of volunteers, cold beer, scrumptious hamburgers and nearly 300 “pro ball players” give you? An event that most cities can only dream about let alone pull off. The annual Medicine Hat Senior Slow Pitch Classic hit the diamonds this past weekend. It’s hard to say how long ago the pioneers of the league started the event, but rumor has it that this is the first time 24 teams from Alberta and Saskatchewan participated. Guys from 55 to close to 90 years old showed that it’s still fun to play, to compete, to socialize and to just gather for some laughs.
The tourney started Friday night at the beautiful Lorne Holden Field. “Hamm & Hamm Umping Inc.” called the balls & strikes for 3 exciting games. The Gardner Family (Goose, Michelle, Brooke, Rylan & Drew) had “Kenny B’s Grill” literally smoking, keeping the many fans fed even with the unfortunate “Grill Hiccup”, that they handled admirably. Phil the Thrill Marleau finished up the evening with his own rendition of Coom-By-Ya on his Gee-Tar until last call.
Then on Saturday at the Moose Ball Complex………………………..hold it back up. Friday morning was a sight that would only make your mama proud. Many volunteers from all the teams and league showed up at the diamonds to prep everything for the busy weekend. Head groundskeeper and VP of operations, Huggy Scherger along with his ably assistant Grant Mackay worked like dogs prepping the diamonds and once they were perfect, they kept them there all weekend. Their job was certainly made easier by all the helpers just too numerous to mention. Let’s just say they were all “HuffnPuffers” or “Wanna Beez” so a big thank you to them all. Many Hands Make Light Work was an understatement for sure.
So back to Saturday. The grounds crew continued their wizardry through the slightly wet conditions and throughout the day. Even “Huggy Jr.” from Brooks came to help out and a great addition from 2 league players I have to mention. Walter Pratt and Rob Hammel pulled those floats around the diamonds all day with more precision than a 4640 John Deere tractor pulling an 80-foot drawbar with harrows. The ever-popular beer gardens were manned by all the teams plus their wonderful spouses. They never once ran out of product thanks to Beerman 1 and Beerman 2, Mr. Eresman and Mr. Maser. After 24 games and 2 tenths of rain it was time to call it a “Day 1 Success”.
Sunday brought sunnier skies for the final 24 games. Beer sales were up , the games continued and the Woodward Family in the concession kept up with all the hungry patrons.
Anyway, all in all, 51 ball games were played, many “pops” were consumed and numerous burgers came off the grill. We are very fortunate to have not only the local support of all the teams but the guys and their families coming all the way from Saskatoon, Regina, Lethbridge & the entire Calgary area to compete.
I’m sorry if I missed anyone, but you know who you are and during the weekend I knew who you were that helped and made this the best senior tourney in the west. Thanks again to everyone and have a great summer whether it’s between the chalk or up in the stands.
Summary Report By Gerard Hittel