Ryan Wolfe, the 33-year old outfielder who is the fastball “pride and joy” of Melbourne, Ontario will be the focus of attention for a fundraiser for the Melbourne Minor Softball Association.

 

“An Evening With Ryan Wolfe” is being organized by the Melbourne and District Lions Club to be held in the Melbourne Agricultural Hall at 6:00 pm on Saturday October 18, 2008.

 

Softball players from the past decades of competition in and around Melbourne will be attending with a brief program of remarks from individuals who have associated with Ryan through his minor, junior and senior men’s softball days.

 

Special recognition will be provided to several players attending who played for the Melbourne Athletics, who captured an Ontario Championship in 1952.

 

Ryan has competed in the International Softball Congress annual World Tournaments for nine years, receiving “All-World” honours on seven occasions with three different teams. This past season, Ryan was a member of the Kitchener Hallman Rivershark Twins who captured the ISC World Team Championship in Kimberly, WI.

 

As well, Ryan has been a member of Team Canada, competing at the International Softball Federation World Championships in South Africa (2000) and New Zealand (2004). Ryan is currently on the national team roster for consideration for the 2009 Championships in Canada (Saskatoon, July 2009).

 

Locally, Ryan has been a member of the St. Thomas Evergreen Centennials for various Canadian Championships.

 

The evening will be informal, with an emphasis on renewing acquaintances and socializing, while recalling all the enjoyment that Ryan has provided to fans with his fine ball-playing abilities.

 

The delicious home style dinner will be catered by the Melbourne Guthrie Presbyterian Church. As well, a silent auction will be held to raise funds for the local minor softball association.

 

Tickets (adults - $20 and age 12 and under - $10) are limited and are available by contacting Vern or Penny Hathaway at (519) 289-2324 or (519) 494-1046 or any Lions Club member.