Recapturing Fourth fun

For me, the Fourth of July brings memories of gathering with family and friends and enjoying a weekend away or even...baseball.

More recently, I helped run the Abbotsford Dairyland League baseball team for a period of four years which played a part in the Abbotsford Fourth of July celebration.

We would have a baseball game beginning at 6 or 7 p.m. and then stay to watch the fireworks show afterwards. Those times that we spent playing baseball way past our primes and even inviting people who haven’t played since high school back to the area to join in our annual Fourth of July game were times that I probably took for granted.

Anyone who has organized an event knows that there is a good amount of planning and communication involved to ensure that everything goes on without a hitch. I was lucky enough to have Larry Soyk, who has been a staple of the baseball community and Abbotsford in general since long before I was in the area, helping me. He took care of all the finances for the team and organized the concession stand and who would work it, (it was usually himself) during games.

The man lives and breathes baseball and always seemed to say something after a game that would help you learn what could be done better the next time around. I appreciated his support when I was running the team, taking care of the field, representing the team at league meetings and any other number of tasks associated with the position. I also appreciated his frankness when I made a bad decision during a game or played poorly. Instead of finding a way to criticize me for a poor decision, he would help me understand why that isn’t the way it should be done. These moments ultimately taught me how to be a better manager, player and person.

After getting through May and June in Dairyland League play, it all culminated with the Fourth of July. That game featured current players vs. past players and eventually pitted Abbotsford players against Colby players. It was a game where we had the most attendance and probably sold the most beer than any other game during that particular season. It was always fun to hang out after the game with the baseball team and enjoy a few beverages ourselves.

That game, and the baseball team in general, gave me friendships that’ll last a lifetime and memories that’ll be with me until the end of my days.

Every Fourth of July, I remember those times and how important it is to appreciate things like that now before they’re over. But who knows? Maybe renewed interest in the team and Fourth of July would bring back the celebration and good times.

SPEEDING

THROUGH

L

IFE

NEAL H OGDEN EDITOR