Getting back into the swing of things

Graham Acres is back to being a hub of activity now that teams are playing in the fields. After a year of hiatus, the Whitecourt Slo-Pitch Association kicked off their season at the end of June, and players could not be happier about it. There are some differences from previous years. Rather than playing multiple games on one night, the 11 teams play just one game on their respective nights, and each team will play a total of 21 games over the season until September 15.

On Wednesday, July 21, the Mad Batters and Smokin’ Bases were on deck on field B. “It’s awesome to get to play again,” remarked Bob Geddes. “Everybody is coming out and having fun. The one game a night thing is good too. I like it.” Geddes, who pitches for his team, Mad Batters, works shifts that make playing all the time difficult, but he said he gets out whenever he can. “Everyone is happy to be out and playing. Being able to hand out with people again is the biggest thing. Not seeing these guys for two years was hard. I’ve not heard a negative thing out here, and I don’t see a face mask insight. It’s nice just to play.”

The balls came crashing down on home plate one by one as he threw strike ball after strike ball. Comments from his teammates in the field and runners that made it on base declared that the pitcher was on point. Geddes just smirked. “I’ve got my glasses on tonight.” He’s been pitching with the Mad Batters for four years and has been a team member for seven. Not getting to play last summer due to COVID was tough, but Geddes said he made it work. “We filled time with other things. Ball wasn’t the most important thing. Kids and school and other things filled that time. I’ve got friends from other teams here, and we would come down and just bat on a night.”

As for the grounds, Geddes remarked that they were in great shape. “The grounds are great! We haven’t had a lot of rain, so it’s not soggy or soft. Every time we come out, people comment on how good the grounds are and how well-groomed they’ve been. People are coming out the day before our games and grooming them for us. It’s been really good. We are lucky for such a small community to have such a good set of grounds.” The town staff who handle grooming will undoubtedly appreciate hearing that.

Denice Harrison, of the Smokin’ Bases, agreed on the look of the grounds. “The town has been doing a good job so far in maintaining them. The grass is good, and the smoke is clearing too. We are really happy to be out here.” Harrison has played ball since she was a child and her love of it keeps her playing. “We are all so happy to be back out here. It’s been a long time. It gives us a reason to get out and visit with old friends.”

For her, socializing with friends and seeing faces she hasn’t seen in a while makes playing even more rewarding. “Meeting up with friends and checking in with everybody and seeing how they are doing is all part of it. There are a lot of new babies, so getting to see all the families and how they are growing has been awesome.”

Harrison said that anyone looking to build their social circle should join in on the fun. “It’s a great way to meet people and make new friends and try something you might not have tried before. Socializing with people outside of the workplace is another nice part because many of these people we see at work, so it’s nice to see them out, relaxing. It’s a great way to get some exercise too.” Those interested in playing can check out the Whitecourt Slo-Pitch Association Facebook page. “If you can’t get on a team, there are often teams looking for a pickup or spares. They can contact people through the page if they want,” explained Harrison.

For Carissa Peach, Harrison’s teammate on Smokin’ Bases, getting back on the field was something she hoped would happen. “We played in the city all last year, so we were disappointed that we didn’t get to play here last year. When they finally allowed us to do it this year, everyone was just floored because it had been a long time coming.” Games happen Tuesdays and Wednesdays starting at 7 pm. Batter up!