From competitive athletes striving for the MVP to recreational players just hoping to hit the softball - all have a place in the 麻豆社国产Slo Pitch Association (SSPA).
With 34 teams in the SSPA, there's a team out there for everyone. The regular slo pitch season starts Monday April 19 and a few teams are still accept new players.
"Teams are always looking for players," said SSPA president Dave Southam. "There's a team with skill levels for everyone, whether you're just out there to have fun all the way to playing competitive slo pitch."
The association has three divisions an 11-team competitive A division, a 12-team B division that combines fun with competitiveness, and a fun-based C division with 11 teams.
"There's a wide range, from half a dozen highly skilled teams to teams that just want to show up and have a lot of fun, and then there's a big mix in the middle that want to show up and have lots of fun but also want to play a good competitive ball team," said Southam.
And the age range of league members is as varied as the skill level of the teams, he said.
"Our oldest player in the league last year - he had his cleats on but I'm not sure if he went on the field - he coached and he was pushing 70."
Anyone 16 years of age or older can register to play in the SSPA, although minors must have their guardian's permission to do so.
Southam said slo pitch is a great way for younger athletes to stay in shape over the summer, especially once minor ball fizzles out mid-summer.
Southam said since the league teams have such a diverse skill base, players aren't required to have any previous slo pitch experience.
"All you need is a glove and a pair of ball cleats, that's about it. And you just have to bring a smiling face."
Each team will play 20 regular season games on a variety of diamonds across town, including Hendrickson Fields (at Loggers Lane and Finch Avenue), Brennan Park fields and at local elementary schools.
A wrap-up tournament is traditionally held in mid-July but Southam said, as of yet, nothing has been planned because the association doesn't have a tournament co-ordinator.
Anyone interested in playing in the SSPA can contact the executive at [email protected] or visit the organization's website www.squamish-slopitch.com.
"Don't hesitate. It's great core group of people in 麻豆社国产who love to get out and have a lot of fun."
