Image Credit: Facebook/Chad Ghostkeeper

By Adam Donnelly

NORM LINTON MVP

Big Guy Lake takes title at Kamloops Titan’s Fastpitch Classic

May 27, 2019 | 5:03 PM

KAMLOOPS — This weekend, hundreds of fastpitch players descended on Charles Anderson Stadium for the fifth annual Kamloops Titans Spring Classic tournament. Teams from all over the Interior and Okanagan were joined by teams from the Lower Mainland and even one side from Prince George.

“We’ve got ten men’s teams, seven ladies [teams]. Lots of fans, good turnout, great weather,” tournament organizer Darren Bowser told CFJC Today.

Some of the top teams from anywhere in B.C. were in town at the Titan’s Spring Classic Tournament. It was the fifth year for the annual tournament, and there was plenty of action on championship Sunday.

1000 Ways to Heal

1000 Ways to Heal: Moons

Dec 10, 2024

Question of the Week

Should Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson apologize or resign after it was found he breached a section of council's code of conduct for allowing false or misleading information to be communicated?

Dec 09, 2024

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: Donald has it wrong - again

Dec 08, 2024

“On the men’s side, it’s teams from all over,” Bowser said. “Prince George, Surrey, Abbotsford. it’s ‘B’ caliber [which means] a lot more high caliber ballplayers.”

Over on the ladies side, it was a competitive weekend as well. Especially for one of the younger squads in the event.

The Under-19 team from the Kamloops Minor Fastpitch association took part, hoping to gain some valuable experience.

“We don’t have any other U-19 teams in our district to play, so this is an extra-special opportunity for us to have high-level competition,” Coach Nicole Trouton explained. “We’ve had really, really close games, and it really allows the girls to improve their skills.”

For organizer Darren Bowser, part of hosting the tournament is about giving back to the game. Which is what he did to help the U-19 girls on their journey to provincials in July.

“The [Titan’s] actually donated a bat and glove for us to raffle off,” Trouton said. “We super appreciate it, they’re very supportive of us.”

The KMFA U-19 team finished third on the women’s side, behind the Vernon Tanks. The Tanks lost to The Other Team from Langley in the Women’s final.

On the men’s side, a familiar face took home tournament MVP. Norm Linton used to pitch for the Tru Market Rebels in his younger days. On Sunday, his offense helped him out, as the Big Guy Lake Blazers defeated the Vernon Installers 9-8 in the Men’s Championship game.