The Carlyle Cardinals captured the Jack Harbourne Memorial championship trophy as they played their way to victory over seven teams from the Saskota Baseball League at the end-of-season tournament July 25-27 at Kenosee Ball Park.
After six close innings, the championship came down to a 3-2 Cardinals win over the second-place Oxbow Chiefs.
Dave Lemieux of the Cardinals described the final game as "stressful and close. They played really well. Oxbow gave us everything we could handle, that's for sure."
While the Cardinals were the winners and the Chiefs runners-up, the Arcola Threshers, Carnduff Astros, Estevan Tower Wolves, Kenosee Cubs, Lampman Pirates, and Wawota Pats enjoyed a weekend of fierce but friendly competition and put on a great show for fans.
The Saskota League is open to men of any age, and according to Kenosee Cubs coach and player, Clarke Lemieux, "It's a pretty big committment for the guys to be there all the time. A lot of guys come to practice or a game straight from work."
"The only reason people do it is to be around friends and play baseball."
However, that doesn't mean the quality of play suffers. Prior to the tournament, Clarke Lemieux said," We usually fill up the stadium for this tournament, and it's nice."
During the sometimes-rainy weekend, the well-attended tournament proceeded on time, but some games were moved to Carlyle's Lions Park.
Lyle Basken of Carlyle attended games at both venues. "The only bad thing about this tournament were the rain delays. However, with the extra diamond in Carlyle, it makes a big difference."
Basken says Saskota's top four teams are particularly "evenly matched", which makes for good baseball from a fan perspective.
"It was a pretty good tournament. Some games were lop-sided, but the games were quite interesting."
For those wanting a final baseball fix, the Saskota Baseball League's 3rd Annual All-Star game is Sunday, August 24 at Kenosee Ball Park.
