ESTEVAN - For the first time in years, the Saskota Baseball League’s year-end Jack Harbourne Memorial Tournament will be held in Estevan.
The competition, which will crown the senior baseball league champions for 2022, will run from July 22-24, with the eight teams that make the playoffs divided into two pools of four for a round robin. The top four teams in the league will have home games to open round-robin play on July 22, and then the focus will shift to Estevan for two days of baseball action.
Games on July 23 run from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
The top two teams from each pool will advance to the semifinals, with those games at noon. Tie-breakers, if necessary, would be at 9 a.m. July 24. The final is to be at 3 p.m.
Games will happen at Lynn Prime Park’s two diamonds. If necessary, they can also play at Joe Lingelbach Field at Mets Stadium at Woodlawn Regional Park.
League president Kelby Trimble said the Estevan Tap House Wolves asked a few years ago to have the tournament on the same weekend as a street dance and other activities happening in the community. A vote was held and it was decided to have the Harbourne in Estevan.
It has been held at Kenosee Lake for years.
But they will be able to use two or even three diamonds in Estevan, while there was just one diamond at Kenosee Lake.
Trimble noted there have been discussions for years about other teams serving as the Harbourne host.
“It used to be that way,” said Trimble.
When he first started playing in the league, the tournament alternated through the different markets. He believes 2006 or 2007 was the first year to have Kenosee as the home for the tournament.
“It was just a central area for all of the teams in the league,” he said. “Guys with families, you go there with your families and have a weekend for it.”
Kenosee Lake has been a great place to have the championship weekend over the years.
The Carlyle Cardinals will be seeking their third straight Harbourne Cup. Other teams entered are the Wolves, Southeast Fireballs, the Kipling Royals, Carnduff Astros, Oxbow Chiefs, Redvers A’s and the Arcola Threshers.
A 50-50 draw and a beer garden will also be happening during the weekend.
Trimble looks forward to seeing a good crowd out for the games on the weekend.
