A torrential downpour all day Saturday left the Esler Sports Complex slo-pitch diamonds resembling somewhat of a lake during the Overlander Slo-Pitch League Icebreaker Tournament.
For one team, however, the aquatic conditions might have been a sign of things to come as the Williams Lake Lakers hopped on their boats and sailed off to an ‘A’ division title.
Tied in the championship game at 10-10 versus the Williams Lake Shrewz in the sixth and final inning Sunday, Lakers’ player Tony McKee hit a walk off homer to score two runs to take the title in a 12-10 contest.
Finishing third in the ‘A’ division was the Williams Lake Rowdies.
Meanwhile, in the ‘B’ division final, the Bears knocked off the Ball Breakers, 10-2, for the win. Finishing third in the ‘B’ division were the Chickens.
In the ‘C’ division final, the Beer-O-Crats downed Relations, 11-8. In third were the Sluggers.
All of the top three teams in each division were awarded Slo-Pitch National prizes for their efforts.
In total, 22 teams participated in the tournament, where each team played two round robin games to determine whether they would advance to the ‘A,’ ‘B’ or ‘C’ division playoff rounds.
Despite the weather on Saturday, teams were treated to a gorgeous sunny day on Sunday.
Linda Barbondy, president of the Williams Lake Slo-Pitch League, said overall the tournament was a success featuring some extremely close, competitive games.
The league is currently in the process of fundraising $10,000 to put towards completing new dugouts and installing irrigation.
“A big thanks to Lindsey Gasparini of the Overlander Pub for donating $1,500 to our league this year to put towards the $10,000 our league needs,” Barbondy said.
Coming up from June 17-19 is also the league’s Overlander Pub Fundraiser Tournament.
“Out of town teams can register,” Barbondy said.
“We’ll take 16 teams. This year we’re going to do something new and have eight intermediate teams and eight recreational teams competing in two different divisions.”
Currently, only 10 spots are remaining for the fundraiser tournament.
Anyone interested in signing up a team is asked to contact Barbondy at rowdy22@telus.net.
For news and information on the Williams Lake Slo-Pitch League visit its Facebook group by searching “Williams Lake Slo-Pitch League.”
