For the past few months, minor baseball season has been in full swing.
The president of the Thorold Minor Baseball Association, Chris Green, says it’s been a great summer so far, in spite of some weather-related challenges.
“There have been some ups and downs,” he tells ThoroldToday. “The weather has been a little off with us, but the folks at the city are always working with us to make sure we can get on the diamond as often as possible, even with some rain.”
The first challenge of the season arrived at the end of June when practice had to be cancelled due to the deteriorating air quality from the smoke brought on by the wildfires.
“I don’t think anyone expected wildfires across the country but we’re pretty flexible,” Green says. “We were able to manage and get baseball on the field during COVID so this is nothing.”
Then came the recent heavy rainstorms that have also created significant challenges.
“It is tough but we find ways to get it done,” says Green. “When that hard rain came down for like 25 minutes, the diamond was underwater. But then it soaks in and the city gets it all turned over, it dries out and then we’re good to go.”
Green stresses that is important to be proactive, and that’s why he religiously checks the weather report throughout the day.
During a recent weekend tournament where rain was predicted, Green made sure to show up at the diamond with a full plan in place.
When it eventually started to pour, “we got the important parts of the diamond tarped and then let the rain pass, get the tarp off, rake in some of the Quick Dry and get going again,” he says.
All in all, it’s been a strong season so far and Green emphasizes that’s because of the strong partnership with the city.
“It’s all about communication,” he says. “We’re in constant contact with the city. Usually they’re at the diamonds with us to make some decisions on how we keep the games going. If there’s lightening of course we got to stop, but we always try to make it work.”
And that’s why the players are having the time of their lives on the Thorold diamonds this summer.
“They’re having fun,” Green says. “Numbers are up for registration, playoffs are around the corner and everyone is doing well. Our rep teams are heading to the OBA championship on Labour Day so everyone is in good shape.”
