(File photo/northeastnow Staff)

By Ben Tompkins

Sn(h)ome run

Slowpitch in winter months tournament coming to Melfort

Dec 30, 2021 | 6:00 PM

The Sask. Rampage and the Melfort Kinsmen have partnered together and will hold the first-ever Melfort Snow Pitch for Telemiracle in early 2022.

Come Feb. 5, an eight to ten team slowpitch tournament will be held at the Melfort Exhibition Ball Diamonds, with all the proceeds going to Telemiracle.

Tournament organizer Clayton Westgard told northeastNOW this type of event has happened before in other areas and is now coming to Melfort in place of something else.

“The Kinsmen and Nipawin had done it before,” he said. “They were unable to do their rooster cabaret hockey tournament, so we decided on this Snow Pitch tournament. All the proceeds are going to Telemiracle so that they could still have their yearly donation. They decided to join up with us and do it, so my team (Rampage) will take care of the Snow Pitch portion and the Kinsmen will do the supper.”

Westgard mentioned how odd it may sound to play slow pitch outside in the winter but assured everyone it is possible.

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“We will plow the lines out and move some of the snow,” he said. “I’ve played in one or two of them and they’re pretty fun. It’s just pretty much slow pitch but it’s cold out in the snow. It makes it a bit harder though, that’s for sure.”

And although this event is serving as a replacement, Westgard said he hopes it goes well so they can start a new tradition.

“It’s just something we’re going to try out this year and if it goes well, then we’re going to continue to do it for Telemiracle,” he said. “We’re looking to do more stuff around the community like this.”

As far as teams are concerned, Westgard explained this event was specifically made for anyone and everyone.

“As of now, there are four teams registered,” he said. “This tournament isn’t competitive like the ones I normally put on. It’s a charity event, so it’s just for fun and you don’t have to be a great ball player to come play. It’s not for competitive teams. Our goal is to just give back to the community and host some fun festivities.”

The tournament will run from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m., with a four-game guarantee. It costs $400 per team, which includes 12 tickets to the Kinsmen steak supper and cabaret at the Melfort Ag Society Hall.

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter @BenTompkins_8