– by David Tonken –
The Peninsula Baseball and Softball Association (www.pbsa.ca) is a decades-old program administered by volunteer parents and coaches. The leagues and tournaments are funded in large part by the generous support of our local businesses. In 2015 over 70 sponsors stepped up and donated time, services and money to keep the program running. Their banners are proudly displayed along the approach to the Field of Dreams clubhouse and concession stand.
Registration, which is open to all youth on the Peninsula, begins every year in early January. Financial support from local partners enables PBSA to keep fees to a minimum, subsidize families when necessary, and to provide an unequaled experience at minimal cost. At the beginning of April, it’s game on! A uniform, including numbered jersey, hat, socks and belt are distributed, weekday practices and weekend games are contested and issues of grave importance are debated in the bleachers. Included in the registration fee are team photos, trophies for each of the tadpole athletes, bats, balls and the unique opportunity for parents to drive our infield-raking tractor after every game.
Our Field of Dreams is the Vancouver Island home diamond for the B.C. Challenger baseball program. Youth and adults with cognitive or physical disabilities are given the opportunity to enjoy the thrill of playing ball, being part of a team, and to improve their physical and social skills. Our Challenger program draws players from all over the greater Victoria area. Those interested in playing Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. can register on the PBSA website.
The most recent addition to the PBSA lineup is the Little Sluggers junior league. Four-year-olds can now learn the basic skills of catching, throwing and manipulating Mom and Dad for a snack from the well-stocked concession stand. We expect the sluggers program to fill up quickly again so don’t delay in registering your munchkin.
Another great thing about PBSA is that parents can choose to actually play the game with their kids. They can coach first or third, or operate the pitching machine. On the ride home, your budding athlete can say you made a bad play!
If you happen to be among one of the hundreds of families that come out to the park each year, please take note of the local businesses whose banners adorn the facility. They have stepped up to provide a better program for our youth and to make our community a better place. They deserve our recognition and support. See you at the Field of Dreams!
