13 teams to slug it out in 2024 National Fast Pitch League
The ceremony which started just about 2:00 PM, honoured Raymond Mercer aka 'Mahassa' and Kathleen Fahie for their accomplishments and contribution to the sport locally ahead of both the men’s and women’s leagues in both the Jr and Senior divisions.
The league, which has attracted 13 teams, will be known as the 2024 Raymond 'Mahasa' Mercer & Kathleen Fahie National Fast Pitch League.
Giving remarks at the Opening Ceremony was Fourth District Representative and Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism, Hon Luce D. Hodge-Smith, who spoke about the growth of the sport in the VI. She noted that the league is featuring more players than in previous years.
“We also heard today that we have some of our athletes in this sport who are in the international arena doing great things… and it's because of the efforts that we are putting in our athletes today,” she said in highlighting that while the VI is small, it is making significant strides in the world of sports in various disciplines.
Honourees applauded by Premier Wheatley
Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) applauded both honourees for their accomplishments and spoke about his childhood days of coming to the softball field and being entertained by the games.
“They entertained us, they represented us abroad, which was a source of pride for us. They provided an an avenue for persons to use their time productively and we really have to acknowledge the role that sports played in and keeping our young men and young women on the right path,” he added.
In the Men's division, the returning champs Pirates will defend their title against VG Heat, West Mobsters, Storms, Power Outage, Albion’s Hot Shot and the new Aces team.
On the Women’s side, Synergy, the defending champs, will go up against West End Warriors, Sparks, lady Wings, Pure Problems and the new Blazers team.
Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL) congratulated the league organisors, players and honourees and spoke about Government's commitment to sports and youth development in the VI.
The day also featured match-ups between Synergy and Sparks, and Pirates vs Power Outage.
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8 Responses to “13 teams to slug it out in 2024 National Fast Pitch League”
Softball, the national sport became a popular sport peaking for several decades but it is facing some decline and hard times in the last few decades. At its peak, VI softball was a competitive and a force to be reckon with in the region and beyond. Per capita, the VI fielded some of the best players in the sport. However, the sport is in a state of flux. The increase in the number of teams partaking in the upcoming league may be sign of some green shoots. What put the sport on life support and perhaps dying on the vine?
No one factor contributed to the decline. Some of the contribution causes include, 1) centralizing the sport in Road Town, capital capita. A sport team in villages was an identity, garnering villagers support. For example, the Road Town area hosted several teams, Baughers Bay area hosted a team, Sea Cow Bay hosted a team, Brewers Bay and surrounding areas hosted a team, East End-Long Look area hosted a team, etc.; 2) competition from other sports, ie, basketball, soccer, etc; 3) lack of modern facilities outside of Road Town; 4) mere lip service from government in support of softball, 5) poor planning and organizing, etc. Moreover, softball is making an Olympic comeback in 2028 in Los Angeles. Can the VI participate in the 2028 Olympics?
Moreover, to participate in the 2028, the preparations must start today. The E. Walwyn Brewley BallPark must be upgraded and modernized, other fields need to upgraded and modernizing , ie, East End-Long Look, etc. Psychologically, there is more motivation to partake if the facilities are modern. A strong, professional, and cohesive organizing and governing body must be put in place. Government must commit to investing time and resources in the sport. Expose players to more conferences, international competitions, etc. Engage former players to partake in the sport.
2. Are softball facilities in poor states, not appealing , etc?
3. Does pay lip service to softball ?
4. Has the softball governing body doing a’ bang up’ job?
5. Can BVI field a team in the 2028 Olympics?
6. What would a BVI all time dream look like:
1st Base: Late Rene Julius aka Panchie Mandy, Roy ‘Picko’ Pickering
2nd base: James ‘ Butchie’ Eddy; Kermit ‘Webb’ Frett
3rd Base: Clinton ‘Butch’ Walters ; Elton ‘Elibit’ Smith
S. Stop: Rupert ‘Beattie’ Smith, Verlin Bolo Crabbe
LF: Jerome ‘Current’ parson,
CF: Edwin ‘Boss’ Hodge
RF: Allen Hodge
Catcher: Elroy Franklyn, Eric Matthias.
Pitcher: Bert ‘ Big man ‘ Henley, Irvin ‘Fletcher’ Scatliffe’
This is just breaking the ice. Sure there are more deserving players.
Let’s inject some new life into softball.