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.
Kelly Carrington Staff Writer Not much has changed since last season for the Flin Flon Creighton Slo Pitch League, players heard at last week's annual general meeting. The majority ruled on a number of concerns and issues, including whether women would be allowed to bunt this upcoming season. The answer remained no 'They can hit it two feet from the plate and run just like me,' joked one ball player. The AGM answered questions from last season and opened the door for ideas for this season as president Trevor Thompson led the discussion at Burkee's Sports Lounge. Similar to last year, the beer gardens will operate during tournaments if teams step up to run them. A few teams added their names to the list of willing participants. A shock to some, the annual red-eye tournament will be not held this year. Due to issues at last year's tournament, the June event will be held as a regular cash tournament _ as no one was willing to take on the responsibility of the tournament. Can be banned Still on the theme of responsibility, it was voted on that an unruly player in the beer gardens can be banned from playing ball _ rather than the whole team, which was the other option presented by Thompson. Concerns around players urinating in public, including on nearby private property, were heard at several Flin Flon City Council meetings last year. Thompson simply said 'use the bathrooms' when the issue was brought up at the April 25 meeting. The roughly 15 people in attendance voted that all games this year will be played at Creighton, Lakeside and Centoba. Like last year, there will be no games in Denare Beach. Tournament dates were released with the first one in June and the last in August. The slo pitch season will begin the weekend after the May long weekend. Team and tournament fees will increase this year to cover the cost of hiring umpires in the cash tournaments as well as renting a second tent for the beer gardens. The idea to purchase a tent was brought up but quickly ruled out as Thompson said dealing with wet tents and storage wasn't worth the cost. Annette Last, a slo pitch player, asked permission from the league to use the fields when they aren't being used by other teams, to introduce a junior slo pitch league. Permission was granted, meaning players between the ages of 11 and 15 will be able to learn and play the game. Last said with participation in the Flin Flon Creighton Minor Ball Association dropping, the junior slo pitch league could help raise those numbers. For the Flin Flon Creighton Slo Pitch League, it was decided that athletes must be at least 16 years to play. Those who are 16 and 17 will require parental consent. For teams that are late showing up to the diamond with no notice, the other team will receive one run for every five minutes up to a maximum of 30 minutes. If a team shows up 20 minutes late, they will be required to play with no warm-up. The teams will then only play a five-inning game.
