Floss dance and baseball.
An unlikely combination in the sports world but that was the case at the 2018 South Okanagan Minor Baseball (SOMBA) Tigers Tadpole Baseball Jamboree.
“Floss dancing is where they swing their hips back and forth and move their arms around. Last year, in every single game I watched, there would be two or three of them out in the field flossing,” said Andrea Messing, SOMBA tadpole division director. “And one team, I remember the coach said if anybody flosses they would have to do push-ups, they were very disciplined.”
This year’s version of the jamboree is already underway for more than 100 players aged seven to nine from much of the South Okanagan at Peach Field behind the South Okanagan Events Centre.
At this level, instead of playing for medals and trophies it’s all about having fun and learning new skills.
“At this age, it’s more about development. A lot of the kids haven’t played before and some of the kids have played last year and you know, there’s still someone who wins and loses the games but it doesn’t come down to the top two teams or anything,” said Messing. “They’re just so young, some of them are really co-ordinated, can catch and throw the ball and everything. Some of them … it’s more about just getting out there and having fun with it, they’re so cute.”
READ MORE: Tadpoles a hit at year-end Jamboree
At this level, there are no pitchers in the game but instead, a pitching machine is used to deliver the balls to the hitters.
“It just keeps the game moving along a little bit better,” said Messing with a laugh.
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There is a full slate of action at Peach Field starting at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday and games Friday (May 10) starting at 6 p.m.
“It’s lots of fun to come out and watch,” said Messing. “It’s the Mother’s Day weekend and families can come out and watch a game or two and the teams come together and hang out and make new friends, it’s a great time.”
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Mark Brett | Reporter
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