Many players who play in the Saskatoon Plus 60 Hockey League share the same childhood experience of playing hockey in the winter and baseball/softball in the summer. In our league, there are people who continue their passion for hockey, but playing ball in the summer has been replaced with other sports, namely pickle ball and golf. My purpose in sending this message to league members is to encourage those who are interested to consider joining the Saskatoon Plus 55 Slow Pitch League.
The slow pitch season begins in May when most members of our league take a break from hockey until September. All games are played on the Umea diamonds behind Lawson Heights Mall. The diamonds are well maintained and the parking is plentiful. There are bathrooms on sight and many players head to the mall food court after the games to visit and have coffee. Games in May begin at 1:00 pm, then when the weather warms in June, games begin at 9:00 am. The games are on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Also, the games are four innings.
Their are four teams and each team has a manager who assigns positions according to players wants and abilities. The managers also arrange the batting order for games. The league tries to create teams that are equal in strength. During the season, the teams are rearranged to balance the competition and provide the opportunity to meet new people. The teams are co-ed although less than 20% are female. Perhaps your wife or partner may be interested in playing.
I know it may sound corny, but everyone gets to bat every inning and everyone plays field when the opposing team is batting. I was quite skeptical when I started playing in the league nearly 15 years ago; however, I must confess the game is enjoyable. If you want more competition, there are traveling teams in various age categories who travel to tournaments across western Canada. I also had the chance to play in the World Seniors Games in Saint George, Utah two years ago. Actually, the competition at the regular Tuesdays and Thursday games is more than enough for the plus 55 crowd.
People who I have talked to at the rink expressed interest in playing slow pitch, but they are concerned about their ability to run the bases or play field without injuring themselves. Our league allows pinch runners from the batter’s box. The league does its best to insure safety. We have an AED device at both diamonds.
There are a few hockey players that already play slow pitch. Dave Hume, Brian Berquist, Don Griffith, Mike Cherwanyk, Pete Rolston, Jim Rolston, and Bill Brown are some of the people who are in the league. They can answer any questions you may have about the league.
As far as commitment, there are no worries. Most hockey players spend time golfing, fishing, camping, boating, and other activities during the summer. You don’t have to be there for all the games. You play when you are able and you don’t need to call a substitute. Players may choose to play in May and June, spend the summer at the cabin, then continue playing in September.
The cost for playing is $20 for a membership in the Saskatchewan Senior Fitness Association and $10 Slow Pitch League membership for a total of $30. The Saskatoon 55 Plus Slow Pitch League is a great way to connect with others and have some fun. If you are interested, reach out to Terry at ssfaball4@gmail.com.
Hope to see you at the diamond.
Alvin Kolach