For about 30 years, the Cowichan Valley Minor Softball League has provided summertime recreation opportunities for adults in the area. With the 2017 season coming to an end this weekend, the league is trying to expand its reach.
“I’ve been a part of this league since 2000 and have met so many great people,” CVMSL president Rachelle Ferguson said. “I love this game because it asks for individual talent and motivation as well as teamwork and camaraderie. New players come out and learn through all the veterans, it’s how the league grows each year. We have mothers and daughters and fathers and sons playing on the same team or through the league, and new generations coming up to keep the league going. I look forward to ball season every year and am happy I can help to organize such a fun community.”
The season runs from May to July, with games on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and/or Thursday, played at Kerry Park, the Cowichan Sportsplex, and Glenora ballfields. The league is open to adults ages 19 and up, and teams follow a co-ed 6/3 format.
“I moved to the Island a couple years ago and my husband and I wanted to find a competitive yet fun league to play in,” player Tiffany Waters said. “The thing that strikes me the most with this league is the sense of community and friendship. The umpires are fair, the games are enjoyable, and the people are amazing. I have made some great friends playing in this league. I recommend for anyone who is out of fastpitch or hardball who isn’t quite ready for the transition to slo-pitch to get a team together for this league.”
Orthodox softball finds a balance between slo-pitch and fastpitch, using standard fastpitch rules, except the ball is pitched underhand in a straight or flat line using a figure-eight motion. The CVMSL has also eliminated stealing home, to prevent injuries at the plate.
Heading into the final day of play this Saturday, the league standings had the Leaguers atop the A-side standings, followed by Glory Days in second, the Jabronies in third, the Renegades in fourth and the Mits in fifth. The Ballers topped the B side, followed by the Weezers, Strokers, Ducks and Kekambas.
The final day of play at Kerry Park is open to spectators. Games begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, with the finals at 6 p.m.
For more information on the league or about starting a new team for next year, email cvmslpresident@gmail.com