After a delayed start, the Vankleek Hill Softball League has picked up steam.
Organizers of the mixed softball league were finally able to begin play in mid-July. Since then, seven teams of 14 players each have been playing regularly each week.
Games are played on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the ball diamond beside the Vankleek Hill Community Centre. There is one game played on Tuesday evenings and two on Thursday, with one team sitting out each week.
With interest growing as more games are played, organizers expect to be able to add an eighth team to the league in 2022. Eight teams would allow two games to be played on Tuesdays as well and each team would be able to play every week.
“We’ve talked to lots of people and they are hearing about it, so they plan to join in,” said Derek Ravary, one of the organizers of the league, along with fellow volunteers Mike Paquette and Justin Bromberg. “Hopefully next year we can get up to eight teams and the more the better.”
Ravary said organizers are very happy with the number of players who signed up, particularly considering all of the uncertainty of the season – including if there would even be a season.
Playoffs will be held during the two last weeks of September, so there is still plenty of regular-season play left for 2021. While the teams are set, anyone interested in playing can get a taste of the Vankleek Hill Softball League by offering to play as a substitute.
“Subs are always welcome,” Ravary said. “They can shoot me an email and I put them on the list and if a captain is missing players I will text them.”
Anyone seeking more information, or who wants to sign up to play softball, or be put on the substitution list, can send an email to the Vankleek Hill Softball League at [email protected]. The group also maintains a Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/VKHsoftball.
Amanda-Lee Nixon whacks a double, as umpire Mike McGurk and catcher Kristen Martin look on. Photo by Reid Masson
