Fastball alive and well in Kitchener
May 19, 2012
Kitchener, ON
KITCHENER – They might have written fastball’s epitaph in other communities.
The game is undeniably under siege at the most elite levels and even at the minor levels in some other urban areas as players flock to the golf courses, soccer pitches or (horror of horrors!) slo-pitch diamonds.
But a robust KFL enters its 43rd season this week with a jam-packed bench, a bag full of bats and even more reasons to smile.
“It’s the people – the opposing players, the teammates, the executive members. They are just great people,” explains Waterloo Classics third baseman and local business owner Sam Forbes, 58.
Forbes ought to know. After more than a half century in the game, he’s still attempting to stretch singles into doubles, snag line drives and share a couple of laughs in the dugout.
“We’ve got a good mix of guys. The game is supposed to be fun.
“Any idiots in this game don’t hang around very long. They get weeded out pretty quick.”
KFL president Bryan Reeve figures the league, based out of Budd Park, is still chugging along partly because local players keep their priorities straight.
“It’s not ultra-competitive but it’s not house league either,” said Reeve, 34, who doubles as a centre fielder for the KFL’s Diamond Jaxx.
The league, for men 18 and older, has not been immune from the ebb and flow of players’ whims.
The KFL was bursting at the seams with 42 clubs back in 1986.
But with 225 players signed up for the current season, and some of those from as far away as Burlington and Owen Sound, the future looks bright, said Reeve.
Rogers TV also plans to televise KFL matchups Thursday night on tape delay throughout the summer.
Viewers should expect good, competitive ball, not a prime-time drama, said Forbes.
“There’s no need to be screaming at the umpire and kicking up dirt. It’s really not worth getting mad at.”
Forbes said his veteran-laden, two-time defending league champion Classics “complement the league by showing the young guys that we are just here to have fun.”
And to collect titles.
