Hello CSMS League ballplayers,

As the Alberta restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic have been eased lately, of course you’ve been wondering if our league might instate some sort of activities for this summer. I’m happy to tell you the answer is ‘yes!’

Your Board has been struggling with the many facets of the COVID problem for weeks now, trying to come up with a plan that will be acceptable to the Province of Alberta Health Minister, that will keep our league members safe, and will provide the exercise, enjoyment and camaraderie that we have all been missing. It is not been an easy task, especially with the challenge of rapidly changing restrictions and multiple interest groups within the league. In addition, there is a wide spectrum of attitude toward the virus risk within our league with some members not at all interested in taking the risk associated with playing this summer, and others not concerned about the virus at all.

As a Board, we believe we have come up with a compromise plan that will be acceptable to most.

While the current provincial restrictions do not allow a full resumption of our league, teams can now gather for casual slo-pitch practice and scrimmage games. The CSMS League will facilitate this by purchasing diamond permits for Charleswood 1&2 and Triwood for the remainder of the summer and will serve as diamond co-coordinator so that diamond scheduling conflicts are avoided.

Last year’s 2019 teams are encouraged to re-form and play within ‘cohorts’ as prescribed by the Province. + If you played last year, you’ll have the opportunity to scrimmage/practice with the same team for the remainder of this summer+. Players new to the league will be assigned a team. This plan will likely involve two ‘cohorts’ of three teams in each of our A, AA and AAA Divisions. During the current Phase 2, teams will only play the other two teams in their cohort. In Phase 3, play will be expanded such that teams can play teams from their other division cohort as well.

Since not all players will wish to participate, some re-distribution of players (including those new to the CSMS League for 2020) will be done by the league.

The CSMS League will provide and initial practice schedule for use at the Diamonds. Team managers & coaches will be responsible for contacting other teams and scheduling practices or scrimmages outside of the CSMS League schedule.

It is important to understand that these activities are NOT formal sports league activities but are casual practice-type meetings among limited cohorts. During them, as long as Alberta is in Phase 2, specific social distancing rules MUST be followed as required by the Provincial Health Minister, e.g. no more than 3 people in the dugout at a time, no high-fives, no sharing of equipment and before each activity the manager will be required to survey each of his players individually as to their health, travel, potential past exposure to COVID-19 and participation in other slo-pitch leagues. Players will also be required to sign a one-time legal waiver form, (all forms and regulations available for download on our website). While somewhat of a pain in Phase 2, the requirements will probably be relaxed a bit with Phase 3.

There will be NO COST to play under this scheme. If you register(ed) for the 2020 season prior midnight Sunday, July 12th, you can participate. As mentioned before, if you have already paid your CSMS League fees (not including the Alberta 55+ $30), those will be applied toward your 2021 season.

Some additional information on diamond availability:

• The Charleswood diamonds will be available anytime during the day. Charleswood 1 will also be available after 6:00pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Charleswood 2 will also be available after 6:00pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and also on Fridays starting in August.
• The Triwood diamond will be available for day ball teams from anytime in the morning to 2:00 pm, Mondays through Thursdays. The Triwood diamond will also be available for any 2019 AA teams from 2:00pm to 9:00pm Mondays through Thursdays. Fridays and weekends the diamond is open.
• The league will not provide umpires for this. Each team is encouraged to supply one of their players if an umpire is desired.

We hope to see play begin shortly after July 12th. Your 2019 team coach or manager will be in touch with you to determine whether you are interested in playing or not and let you know about planned practices/scrimmages.

Best regards,

CSMS League Board of Directors

Hello League,

Within the next few days your Board of Directors will be announcing plans for some summer softball activities. In preparation for those, the Charleswood 2 and Triwood diamonds are in need of some work.

Ross Laurie is looking for volunteers for this Saturday, June 27th, to help weed the diamond and weed-whack the fence lines at Charleswood 2 and Triwood.

The volunteers will need to bring weeding hoes, square-mouth spades and gas-powered week-whackers. Work will start at 9:00am at Triwood and, depending on the number of volunteers, we might be able to do Charleswood 2 at the same time.

Ross is estimating no more than 2-1/2 hours of people’s time. Please come out and help, and let Ross know you’re coming (rlaurie1@telus.net).

Thanks guys,

Gary Paukert
CSMS League Communications

Hello League Members,

Sad news today as Larry Brunner has informed us that he heard from Wayne Hladic’s wife Lynne that Wayne passed away on Wednesday, June 17th after a long battle with cancer.

Wayne played in our league many years, from 1999-2017 and was a big part of the Bobcats ‘franchise,’ coaching that team for years.

In this time of Covid virus, often there are no public funerals or memorials. Thus far there is no information about a remembrance for Wayne, but if I receive any information I will post it.

Please keep Lynne in your thoughts. I understand she contributed to our league as an excellent scorekeeper.

Best regards,

Gary Paukert
CSMS League Communications

To All Members,

The Horton Road Canadian Legion is undergoing a massive cosmetic revamp, and as such is looking for volunteers to help out, especially in the trades, i.e.: plumbers, electricians, painters and general labour. They also require contacts in the asphalt and concrete industry. If you would like to volunteer please message Rick @ 403-819-3310 and he’ll get back to you.

The Horton Road Canadian Legion has been host to our meetings and awards banquet for many years.

I remain ,

Kelly Toombs

Hello all,

Since the weather is finally turning towards outdoor activities and things are slowly opening up in the city, Brian Brown is hosting a MIKEN WORTH SENIOR DEMO DAY this coming Saturday, May 30th, between 11:00am and 2:00pm at the Charleswood #2 diamond.

The entire 2020 Miken Worth line-up will be on hand for you to try before you buy. All demo bats will be for sale. There will be a $5.00 cover charge and each attendee will receive their choice of Miken or Worth ball cap.

Brian will also have Fear the Beard items for sale with a few items specifically for this event. There will also be a draw every hour for additional giveaways.

IMPORTANT, READ THIS:
Space will be limited for this event in order to comply with social distancing requirements, so you MUST PM or email Brian Brown at brianbrown14@shaw.ca to reserve your spot. DO NOT reply to this email. DO NOT reply to the league administration. Only the first 36 players will be allowed to participate – first confirming with Brian, first served.

There will be alcohol wipes on hand to wipe down the bats before you hit. Come out and have a great time swinging the best brands in our game and see you on the field next Saturday.

Gary Paukert
CSMS League Communications