MARYSTOWN, N.L. — Registration for the Marystown Kinsmen Minor Softball has started with an anticipated roster of 18 teams, featuring kids of various age groups four-18 years, expected to sign up this season.
In an e-mail to The Southern Gazette, organizers Marcia Murray-Hanrahan, Nadine Murray-Paul, Adrienne Clarke and Charlene Fitzpatrick indicated that the games will begin July 2, with a kick-off tournament scheduled June 15-16.
Organizers wrote that the benefits of offering softball in Marystown are numerous.
They wrote, “Softball is important to the community because it brings players and families together for recreation. Softball is a fun-loving enjoyable sport that has people getting physical activity but (having) so much fun while doing so. The players on the field learn the game but it also has such a great social aspect as well. Sometimes, without even realizing it, the players are learning so much about everything beyond sports. They learn sportsmanship, team play, skill and being involved in a group.”
Softball is a popular sport in Marystown and the board confirmed that games are well attended.
“On daily games, there are always spectators in the bleachers and along the fence. The younger groups always draw a bigger crowd, but each and every game always has a nice few people in the stands. The games that are under the lights are big too. They are big excitement for the kids and it brings a bigger crowd in the stands to watch. There is always something more exciting to everyone about games under the lights. The bleachers are filled with fans watching under blankets, smothered in fly repellant, sometimes under umbrellas and always having a bite to eat from the Snack Shack.”
The league offers a tournament on the final weekend of the season.
“Everyone plays each other once and on the last day we hold all of the championship games,” board members wrote. “This brings out a crowd all day long and we try to make a big deal for all the kids. We announce their names, play music, canteen is always in full swing and the bleachers are always full. Friends and families are usually home then as well and people that haven’t been able to watch all summer, get to come out and catch a game. The atmosphere is always much more than a normal day at the field and all the players seem to love it.”
Organizers wrote that although their games feature young players, all age groups are eagerly anticipating the upcoming games.
“Everyone gets hyped up over the softball season, children and adults alike,” they wrote. “As a volunteer group, we are excited to open the Snack Shack, something that has become a staple at the Marystown Kinsmen Field. This is the canteen that a few of us parents run every summer. The profits from the canteen go back to both the Minor Softball and Minor Soccer Associations for the kids. We are excited to get back on the field for another season and getting back into the swing of things.”
Registration will continue at various locations until the end of May and organizers are also looking for volunteers to fill various positions.
