As most of you are aware, CSMS League memberships for those of you who played summer ball in 2020, have been rolled over into 2021. This makes registration simple for most of you – do nothing! – except register with Alberta 55+ for 2021.

However, it does cause a problem for the registrar. Because you have been rolled over, i.e. you don’t have to register, I have no idea whether or not you actually want to play in 2021.

So if you do not plan to play in 2021, please email me at registrar@grandslamslopitch.com.

Note: If you plan to play AA/AAA Dayball, you have to register/re-register. You fall into Category 10 under “What are you registering for”.

John Schmidt
CSMS League Registrar

As most of you are aware, CSMS League memberships for those of you who played summer ball in 2020, have been rolled over into 2021. This makes registration simple for most of you – do nothing! – except register with Alberta 55+ for 2021.

However, it does cause a problem for the registrar. Because you have been rolled over, i.e. you don’t have to register, I have no idea whether or not you actually want to play in 2021.

So if you do not plan to play in 2021, please email me at registrar@grandslamslopitch.ca.

Note: If you plan to play AA/AAA Dayball, you have to register/re-register. You fall into Category 10 under “What are you registering for”.

John Schmidt
CSMS League Registrar

Only 95 Days ’til the 2021 Season!

Having lost our crystal ball, we cannot predict COVID restrictions for the coming summer. However, the league IS planning to provide at the least something similar to last year’s cohort-based, scrimmage schedule and at best a full regular season with playoffs.

Also, new for summer 2021, we are offering AA/AAA Dayball to be played between 10:00am and 2:00pm Tuesdays through Thursdays at Charleswood/Triwood. You may play regular Evening Ball, AA/AAA Dayball, or both. AA/AAA Dayball will be ability-based with a player draft, just like Evening Ball. Players who have not previously played in the league will be required to attend the evaluation session.

To register, go to our website www.GrandSlamSlopitch.com, click on the big green button near the top right-hand corner and follow the instructions. Please note that THE VAST MAJORITY of you – those who paid and played last summer – will NOT need to register. Your registration and fees have been rolled over from 2020 to 2021. However this year, EVERYONE will need to go to www.Alberta55Plus.ca and purchase their $30 membership for insurance coverage.

We look forward to hearing from you and to seeing old friends again soon on snow-free diamonds at Charleswood and Triwood, hopefully with rapidly-diminishing concerns about COVID.

Best regards,
Gary Paukert
CSMS League Communications

Dear League,

Those who knew him will be especially grieved to hear that Yogi (Laurence) O’Reilly passed away Monday at the age of 82.

Yogi played in our league in 12 different years, 2004 and 2009-2019. His obituary mentioned his love for ball in this way:

“A crafty southpaw pitcher, it was his extraordinary batting average that earned him his nickname. From pitching in the Pony League Western Championships in 1951, to hitting a home run and catching the final out to win the Masters Slowpitch league championships at the age of 80 – baseball was a lifelong obsession.”

The full obituary can be read here:
https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/laurence-o%27reilly-obituary?pid=197569107

Please keep Yogi’s wife Velma and the rest of his family in your thoughts and prayers. As per usual this year there is no service planned until large gatherings are allowed.

Regards,

Gary Paukert
CSMS League Communications

Hello League,

I’ve received word from Herman Thielen that an obituary for Wally Marchyshyn has appeared in the Calgary Herald. I am copying it here for everyone:

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Walter (Wally) Marchyshyn. Dad was born in Moon Lake, Alberta November 6, 1935 to Cathrina and Gregory Marchyshyn. Dad passed away December 20, 2020 in Calgary. He was predeceased by his wife, Grace, in 2016 and his youngest daughter, Paula, in January 2020. He is survived by his children, Darren (Sheila), Kathy and son-in-law Murray Dziwinski. Grandchildren are Casey, Taylor, Gibson, Katelyn and Sydney.

Interment will be at a later date. Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society, Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Rest in peace Dad.
Love you bunches"

Wally played in our league between 1996 and 2017. In 2017 in his final year he played for the A’s in Division A.

Gary Paukert
CSMS League Communications