The Final Day June 21, 2008

The morning started off great. There was much more going on at Rotary Challenger Park than most weeks. There was a jumping castle, face painting, crafts, I never did see the petting zoo but it was also there, Harvey the Hound, Calgary Fire Department and the Rotary Club of Calgary and some of their members were also out providing food and drink.

Oh, I nearly forgot there was BASEBALL too. As always Saturday morning baseball was being played. The first teams to take to the fields were BEARS vs. BRAVES (East) and GIANTS vs. CUBS (West). I was a little concern when at 9:50 then weren’t many players but by 10:00 the fields had players and coaches a team. Each player was hopefully announced by myself at least once at bat by way of the stereo system that the park let us use, and by the end of the game all looked to have had a good day. After the game the players parents and coaches went to the picnic tables behind the fields where the last day of Baseball really has meaning. For the younger players it’s always nice to see them receive the pictures and trophies, always a smile and the look at accomplishment. They then headed to the BBQ and took in a few of the other events.

The 11:00 time featured 4 more teams, DODGERS vs. ROYALS (East) and JAYS vs. RANGERS. This time was very challenging for a few reasons. One, the parents had to try and get the kids past all the activities that were taking place between the parking lot and the field. Even with a few late bodies the games continued on. I was dealing with problems of my own when the mic for the stereo system lost power and I was only able to read off the players from a quite place. At the end of the game players, coaches and parents went to the picnic tables for pictures and trophies. Then these players were off to the BBQ and other activities that where at the park.

12:00 MARLINS vs. ASTROS (West) and CARDINALS vs. METS, as always this time almost seems to run itself. The players know what going on they come to play and have fun. Again with so much activity going on there seemed to be a couple of players that came in a little late but everything went well. There seemed to be better hitters than when we played out first time out. I think a couple of the coaches when worried about being hit. Good job and great hitting.

A special thanks to Sunridge Little League for providing buddies for our final game, I hope to see you again next year. Good luck in your games.

With end of the 12:00 just after 1:00 and the last batters coming around for that final home run of the season a little sense of loss entered my mind. For the past couple of months Calgary Challenger Baseball has been a driving force in my life. Every year it is fun to come back and see how the players have grown and how their skills have improved. While I will be missing Challenger Little League for the next 10 months, I will be anticipating next year and the new players that will come out and learn.

Have a great summer; fall and winter see you in the spring.

On behalf of Calgary Challenger Little League

THANK YOU