The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
In good fun and sportsmanship, a great friend was remembered at the local ball diamonds over the weekend. The annual Jason Morran Memorial Tournament was hosted by the Flin Flon Creighton Slo Pitch Association. Games got underway Friday and picked up back the following morning and afternoon. In previous years, tournament organizers have simply drawn names at random for the trophy winners as the fun weekend is geared towards the memory of the late Morran. Adding a little competition to the fun this year, teams were required to keep track of all home runs _ infield, over the fence, and home runs that bounce over the fence _ and submit their final number after their last game. This year, the Super Troopers took first place in the tournament with a total of 18 home runs. Typically, in slo pitch, a team is only allowed to hit a second home run once the other team has hit one _ making sure no team is ever more than one home run ahead. In the event of a home run being hit when not allowed, it will be considered an out. To keep the fun as a prominent feature in the tournament, there were consequences if a strikeout happened. If a female player struck out they were required to wear a jock strap over top of their clothing as well as a light up headband with long hair-like strands. In the guys' strikeout bag was a nightgown of some sort, a coloured foil wig and shower cap to match, and oversized sunglasses. Each diamond featured good sports in the tournament has the bright coloured wigs and jock straps could be seen from far distances. The Super Troopers proudly accepted the trophy from tournament organizers, and friends of Morran, Jody Suski and Darren Romo. The always-emotional presentation was followed by hugs and smiles as it was announced Morran would have loved it. In honour of the late friend, father, son, and athlete, a Jason Morran Memorial Fund was created following his passing in 2007. Money generated from the tournament, which included an entry fee for teams and two 50/50 draws as well as other fundraisers, was put back into the Morran Fund. In previous years the fund has helped programs like the Flin Flon Minor Hockey Association through a donation of hockey equipment.
