Preparations for the Saskatchewan Twilite Baseball Maxi Tournament held in Davidson July 5 to 7 are in full swing, but organizers are still looking for a few more volunteers to help with the event.
“What we’re looking for right now is, we’ve got a few people, but we’re going to need some more announcers and scorekeepers for the event itself and maybe some people to help set up,” said Davidson councillor Jason Shaw, noting anyone looking to volunteer can either contact him or Davidson recreation director Trevor Ouellette. “We’ve done some of the work now (to get ready), but most of it will be a week to 10 days before.”
Twenty-four teams from across the province have already confirmed they’ll be in Davidson the first weekend of July to play in the 37th annual over-35 men’s tournament. Each team is comprised of 12 to 18 players, who come together each summer to play some ball.
Shaw said Davidson would have a team made up of ballplayers from this town as well as surrounding areas competing at the Davidson ball diamonds, but this tournament is more about players showing their love for the summer game than trying to prove who is the best.
“You try to win, but it’s more just for fun and camaraderie and having a good time and trying not to get hurt,” he said.
Ouellette said they have already received over 100 requests for spots at the Davidson Campgrounds during the weekend and he expects hundreds of ballplayers and their families descending on the town for the tournament. He said they are planning to welcome these visitors to town with a few events to go along with the tournament.
“They are going to put on a roast beef dinner, whether it’s a beef-on-a-bun or not I’m not sure, for Friday night and that’s going to be in conjunction with the beer gardens and the Rider game showing at the curling rink,” said Ouellette. “Then Saturday and I do believe Sunday morning they are going to be putting on a pancake breakfast.”
Shaw said admission to the tournament is free for all spectators, so he hopes many baseball fans head out to the Davidson ball diamonds July 5 to 7 to take in the action.
“We had a senior team and there was a good following of people that liked to watch baseball,” he said. “I’ve had people stop in to see if the kids are playing and unfortunately with them playing in the city they don’t get the chance to play more games out here. We’re not charging people anything to come and watch. It’s going to be Friday, Saturday and Sunday, so if you want to come watch some ball that is the time to do it.”