The call rang out under an overcast sky.
“Play ball,” said umpire and co-coach of team Glenreagh No. 1 Lee Graham.
At the diamonds behind Barrhead Composite High School on May 19, Summerdale squared off against Glenreagh No. 1 and Dunstable took the field against Glenreagh No. 2.
County ball has begun in Barrhead. Players from eight years old (mite) to 17 years old (midget) take to their respective ball diamonds for fun and slightly competitive ball.
“It’s important to the kids, that’s why we do this,” said Graham.
All games are six innings, and follow a three-out or five-run mercy rule, whichever comes first.
The games are competitive, as far as bragging rights are concerned. But there are no standings and no stats, only friendly trash talk between the players.
“It’s friendly competition. The kids compete for bragging rights at school, and amongst each other. The kids have their own rivalries in the school,” said Graham.
More than 600 kids signed up to play county ball.
“What is unique to our league is that everybody gets to bat. Even while there are nine players in the field covering all the positions, everybody on the team gets a chance to hit the ball. Nobody is left out,” said Graham.
County ball draws players out of about 10 communities throughout the county.
“Kids come from Neerlandia and Meadowview just to name a couple. It’s good because everybody can get involved. It doesn’t matter if they don’t live in town,” said Graham.
Tournaments will cap off the year for county ball.
“The year-end tournament is the biggest deal for the all the players and coaches. It’s a day of baseball, fun and making new friends. It’s a great way of finishing off the year,” said Graham.
For more information on county ball, contact Graham at 780-674-0423.
