RSS and Al's Fastball News
December2010

Sadly the Kitchener Rivershark Twins Fastball fold

December 2, 2010

Kitchener, ON

December 2010
 
Gentlemen; It is with great sadness that I inform you that the Rivershark Twins Fastball Team will not be fielding a team in 2011.  The management team has been working hard at trying to find additional sponsorship after I informed them that I would not continue to sponsor at a major level. 
 
It was my decision to not carry on as a major sponsor.  When I informed Bob about my decision earlier this past summer, we agreed that an announcement would come after the season and only after other potential sources had been exhausted.
 
While there has been some interest, no deal has been reached.  So in order to let the players from the best team further their options, we have decided on this announcement today.
 
I have been a major sponsor of men’s fastball for many years.  Our family involvement goes back 25 years.  We have been blessed with many fond memories and many friends.
 
As tough as this decision has been to make on an intellectual basis, on an emotional basis, it was even tougher.  Sue and I greatly enjoy being in the ball yard watching the team play, and this will be a tough void to fill in our lives.
 
To all the players, current and past, I pass along my praise for wearing the uniform with honour and class.  For the coaches, I extend my thanks for the amount of time and effort that it takes to run a first class team.  I loved the compassion and commitment that went into the game.  The jubilation after a win, the tears after a tough loss.  The realizations of a true team win.  The satisfaction of a game well played.
 
I especially want to acknowledge Larry and Dave and Bob. 
 
Larry for your tireless work over the years to keep the team going.  Your elegance and passion for the game is awesome!  I will forever be in your debt for what you did for the Peter Hallman Ballyard, and how your personal touches made it one of the best in all the fastball community, and how it will forever be a family tie to a great sport.
 
Dave, I still remember vividly, the phone call that started this great run.  I was shopping for appliances in Toronto, well Sue was, I was thinking of ball, when we struck an agreement to use the Sting as the basis for a reworked team.
 
Dave, I could not have imagined in my wildest dreams, how well things would work out.  I know you have spent countless hours and your own dollars to make it all work.  I do not know how you do it, with your business, family and other sports involvement, but you do.  There is no way that any of this would have happened without you.  So from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
 
Bob, a simple thanks.  I know that when we first met to discuss a merger, our feelings for the game and how an organization should be run, we were on the same page.  The formula was simple, two good teams could make one great team.  What I could not envision at the time, was how well everyone embraced the merger and simply made it work.  I had always hoped that teams I would be involved with would be respectable.  We had that and more, respect and winners.
 
After the win in PEI this past August, as I sat in the bleachers watching the celebration on the field, I at first did not want to go down and join in.  To do so, would have signaled the end of my involvement.  It was with Sue telling me to go, that I reluctantly went.  It was not that I was not happy, it was great to win the Canadians again.  But it did mean that my current career was over and done.  I actually had tears in my eyes, as I do now writing this.
 
I do not know what will be in store for me.  I do not plan on leaving the softball world behind.  The game is too great.  If I am fortunate enough to be able to be involved again, I would like to try to have a bigger impact on local ball.  The intent years ago, was to ensure that men’s fastball did not disappear, but grew, and this is where I can direct my energy in the future.
 
The good memories will be with Sue and I forever.  Not the wins and losses, or the championships, these are fleeting.  What we will remember forever, is the people, the players, coaches, wives, girlfriends, kids and the fans.  This is truly what it is all about.  Enjoying the company of others while watching ball.  The gentle rivalries in the stands.  Barbques and golf games.  The emotion and compassion for the game.  The jokes and laughter.
 
We will be at the parks again next season, but only as a spectator.  We will cheer for each of the players on their respective teams as hard as we did when you wore the Twins across your chest.  For those who are going on, I offer the very best of luck.  For those who are contemplating retirement, I am happy you chose the Twins to end your career with. 
 
I hope our paths cross often and that you too, will remember fondly our time together.
 
Jim and Sue Hallman
 
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