More than 70 Innisfail Minor Ball Association (IMBA) players and alumni gathered at the Arena ball diamond on a rainy June 18 to learn from their peers and to have fun.
“Over the last couple of years, the number of players in the IMBA has varied,” said Jenny Crumley, president of the IMBA. “We wanted to hold an event that would both be fun, and teach kids at the same time. The association decided to organize an alumni night for players who started playing ball in Innisfail to help mentor the young players. This was our first event, which we hope will be an annual ball camp.”
Crumley added there were three or four alumni players aged 25 to 30, who attended and helped the kids. Members of the Innisfail Indians baseball team also came out to coach as well.
“Our alumni players, as well as teachers, started their ball careers in Innisfail, and then went on to college or more organized ball later in life,” said Crumley. “It's a great way to give back to the community for the older players.”
Innisfail resident Michael O'Dwyer was one of the alumni who took time to share his experience.
“I played ball in the minor league in Innisfail and eventually went on to college in North Dakota where I played for several years,” said O'Dwyer. “There have been 12 or 13 players who have gone on to college ball, which makes it a pretty good route to a higher education.”
The Innisfail player was impressed with the number of kids who came out for the evening of ball.
“As long as the kids took away one lesson from what we showed them, I am satisfied,” added O'Dwyer. “I think the kids who attended enjoyed themselves, despite the rainy weather.”
Crumley added players, aged five to 15, attended the evening session, which started around 6 p.m. and ran until 8 p.m. at the soggy Arena grounds. Players under the age of 10 were sent inside for coaching while those older moved through four stations on the diamond, with each focused on a different skill.
“There was a barbecue for participants as well,” added Crumley. “We wanted to make this an evening to raise the profile of ball in Innisfail, and attract more players into the game.”
For more information on the IMBA or the various levels of teams, go to www.innisfailminorball.com.
