They gathered around home plate, bowed their heads and took time to reflect, remember and give thanks to their teammate and coach, Gerald Nanninga.
The slow-pitch game played at Fort Assiniboine between Sangudo and the Twilighters a few weeks ago was the first game played since the tragic and untimely death of Nanninga in a motorcycle collision 10 days prior.
The players heard about the last game that Nanninga had played at the Edmonton tournament against Grande Prairie. In addition to coaching and managing in that game, Nanninga pitched, played first base, third base and left field – a true testament to his athletic ability. Team members heard about Nanninga, the man – a friend, County councillor, community-minded individual, devoted to his family and volunteer extraordinaire.
Twilighter’s coach Sid Gurevitch and the team dedicated the rest of the season to honour Nanninga’s memory and what he stood for.
As Gurevitch said, “I truly enjoyed the time I spent with Gerald co-coaching the team with him. He will be sorely missed. We will carry on, be the best that we can be, and live life to the fullest. This is what Gerald would want us to do.”
