The Sooke Loggers hosted their first two home games at Art Morris Park on July 28 against the Nanaimo Wheatchiefs.
The Loggers were welcomed with full bleachers, and local ball enthusiasts dotted along the green of the ball park. About 250 fans came out to view the games.
“We were happy with the turn out, we knew we’d draw well. Everybody likes ball out here,” said field manager, Len Banner.
The touring team plays different tournaments throughout North America, travelling to places like Las Vegas, Fargo, Nebraska and Santa Barbara, California. But Banner said the large turn out in Sooke was one of the best he’s seen all year.
“There’s way better attendance here in Sooke than any other diamond we’ve seen so far,” he said.
“We’d like to play out here, and we’ve got the support to play here. We’re going to try to get more games out here next year some how, it’s just that we have to get more All Star teams to come play.”
The Loggers played two exhibition games against the Nanaimo Wheatchiefs, earning a win of 8-1 in five innings for the first game, and a loss of 2-1 in the second.
Banner said, Collin McKenzie, who usually pitches for the Loggers was loaned to Nanaimo, which put the home team at a slight disadvantage.
“Their pitcher is the guy that pitches for us… and he held us off balance, he’s a good, smart pitcher.”
The Loggers will attempt to schedule a few more exhibition games in the coming weeks before they head to the International Softball Congress World Tournament from Aug. 11 to 18 in Midland, Michigan.
