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Record number of teams expected
A group of enthusiastic ball players took over the Sam Steele Ball Tournament in 2013 from JCI Kootenay with a vision to make the already successful event of 18 years into a “ball player’s tournament,” says Sam Steele Ball Chair Seana Coolbaugh.
The groups involved include: Cranbrook Minor Ball Association, Cranbrook Mixed Slopitch Association, Rocky Mountain Bandits and Cranbrook Men’s Baseball.
An increase of 20% has been realized in just two years with 69 teams participating in 2014.
The Sam Steele Ball Tournament has recently opened 2015 early bird registration for three divisions; Competitive, Intermediate and Fun Rec.
All levels of ball players from novice to competitive compete in a fun weekend. The Fun Rec division will have prizing for best costumes as a team, as well as other prizes for fun things ie; most sportsmanlike. The Intermediate division will be a bracket tournament format with prizing for different categories as well. The Competitive division will still run in a round robin format with playoffs and cash prizing for the top three spots with a grand prize of $2,000 for first place.
With a four game guarantee, cash and merchandise prizes, draws, give-aways, apparel plus their own beverage gardens and concessions on location, the tournament is forecast to attain their highest participation level yet.
“All funds raised go back into the ball parks of Cranbrook,” explains Coolbaugh.
Over the past two years funds have supported a new batting cage at Confederation Park and bathrooms with storage up at Moir Park. This year’s funds will either go to new dugouts at Confederation Park or improvements to the Quads with new bleachers or overhead shelters for spectators.
The Sam Steele SloPitch tournament begins on Friday, June 19 coinciding with the Sam Steele Days community festival June 18 – 21.
Sam Steele Society representative Laura Kennedy is pleased with the SloPitch event’s success: “The ball tournament has a significant history as part of the Sam Steele Days festival. Its popularity contributes to our local economy and showcases our hospitality.”
Sam Steele Days has something for everyone and each year brings Cranbrook citizens together with thousands of visitors through a wide variety of activities. Involvement is easy – FUN is guaranteed! Call (250) 426-4161 to find out how you can gain from involvement.
Registration for Sam Steele Ball is now open with early bird pricing in effect until May 16, 2015. Register online at samsteeleball.com Registration closes June 5.
Sam Steele Society
