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By Helen Richardson
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Back Row (L to R) Patsy
MCarthy,Connie Reynolds,Carol Wilson, Marlene Doxsee, Debbie Long, Hazel
Lambe, Lisa Watson, Marg Bullied. Front Row- Toni Wilson, Wendy Boyer,
Wendy Bolton, Cathy Bullied, Yvonne McDonald |
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A real summer call, for some 30 years in Apsley and surrounding areas. The ladies league was first to get up and running, in the early 70s. Apsley fielded 4 teams. These were made up of women, and it was run as a house league. Some 15 & 16 year olds wanted to play, so they spread them around to keep the teams even. It was a pleasant way to have fun, and exercise plus the whole family could have the evening out, watching Mum play ball, and socializing. Rose Tucker played in the 70s, and turned to coaching in the 80s. Doug Reynolds also coached the women in the 80s. It was hardball, playing against Burleigh, L’Mable, Bancroft and Guilmore. These were very competitive teams. One team had eight pitchers, but still a lot of fun was had. I’m told we had really good hitters and runners. Three years ago there was a loss of interest in playing, a few joined together for a mixed team league. They still had fun and now, in 2007, there is a struggle to field a team of any kind. The men started A Men’s Slo- Pitch League, a couple of years after the women were playing. Sonny McGillivary was founding Pres., for 14 years, followed by Brian Hoffman for about 10 years. This league played against the Woodview and Burleigh leagues. Again there was good old competitiveness with these leagues, but it was all good fun when they played. There were 8 to 10 teams. Made up of all ages, some sons started playing along side their dads at around 15 yrs. One good old chap of 80 was still playing ball. WOW! The league changed in the ‘90s and was mostly a younger set. Again the interest has waned, and nobody seems to have the time or interest to get out and “Play Ball”. Doug Reynolds still gets a couple of teams to play exhibition games, at our Apsley fairground, usually on the same day as the Lions flea-market. So we hope to see you at the ballpark in July. Thanks for all the work and hours you coaches put into keeping the Apsley residents having summer fun. It takes a lot of work but it is so rewarding. In doing my research, I heard that Sonny McGillivary passed away last Sept. Some of you may not have heard about this, he was well thought of in the game. Good News….. There are people interested in playing ball again. If you are interested, just go to the ball park at the community center on Mon. and Wed. at 6.30pm. (slo-pitch softball) for whoever shows up. Let’s hope it is the beginning of another baseball season in Apsley. |
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Back Row (L to R) Bill
Shee, Doug Reynolds, Unknown, Clark Downey, Steve Medhurst, Jamie Shee,
Mike Wilson, Rod Cambell Front Row- Al Medhurst, Charlie Nesbitt, Peter
Jeff, Bill Russaw and Lyle Nesbitt. |
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The Pike that got away. This beauty was almost
caught off the dock. Alas the fisher had no net. Photo sent by Emily
Hughes |
