The highlight of the summer for many young softball players in the region comes early next month when the annual Constable William Moss Memorial Minor Softball Tournament opens at five ball fields in St. John’s.
This marks the 36th year for the boys’ tournament, while the girls’ event celebrates 25 years when the first pitch is thrown July 6. The tournament winds up July 10.
Last year, 34 boys’ and girls’ teams took part, and organizers are hoping for a few more this summer when games are played at Lions Park, Bannerman Park, Kelly’s Brook Park, Wyatt Park and Mundy Pond Ball Field.
Age categories for the Moss are U12, U14 and U16 in the boys’ division, and U14 and U16 for the girls.
“This is a great week for a lots of kids,” said Ross Crocker, Softball Hall of Famer and Vice-President of Softball Newfoundland Labrador. “For many, this may be the only tournament they will play in all summer.”
Crocker and Softball NL President Paul Smith Sr. have been a two-man committee working to put together the tournament, and Crocker admits that can be a challenging task.
“It’s hard to look after everything, so there may be some things missed along the way,” he said. “That’s why we welcome anyone who would like to step forward. They’re more than welcomed to drop by the ball field and offer to help out.”
Deadline for registration for teams is Tuesday, June 30. Teams can register by emailing mosstournament@hotmail.com.
