The Mount Seymour Little League Junior all-stars didn’t capture the Canadian title but the trip they made to the nationals was a big hit with the squad of 14- and 15-year-old players.
“It was awesome,” said manager and coach Daryl Townsend. “Most kids don’t get a chance to go to nationals. For most it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. They were over the moon; it was awesome.”
The MSLL squad qualified to represent British Columbia at the national tournament in Lethbridge, Alta., after winning the provincial championship in July, beating out Lynn Valley, Forest Hills, New West, D3 (Whalley/Langley/Coquitlam combined) and West Van (West Van/Highlands/NVC combined). The national tournament featured Team Alberta (Medicine Hat Expos), Team Saskatchewan (Regina Little League), Team Quebec (Victoriaville Little League), Team Ontario (East Nepean Eagles), Team Maritimes (Glace Bay Little League) and host Lethbridge Junior Giants.
In tournament-opening round-robin play Team BC went 3-3, which made them the fourth seed heading into the tournament. “It was a whirlwind,” Townsend said about the nationals, “eight games in eleven days.”
Team BC lost against top-seeded Team Alberta in semi-final action and then faced Team Ontario in the bronze-medal game, losing 8-2.
While things didn’t go their way on the scoreboard, the trip to Alberta created lasting memories.
The B.C. boys and coaches stayed at the Lethbridge College dorms, along with teams from Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes. After games, the kids returned to the college and spent time playing volleyball and getting to know other players.
Townsend said eight or so players on the MSLL squad speak French so they were able to talk with players from Quebec. “They made friends from across Canada, that was a highlight.”
Another highlight was playing on an immaculate field inside a 3,000-seat baseball park that’s home to the Western Major Baseball League’s Lethbridge Bulls. It had a big-time feel, with an announcer introducing players and cameras broadcasting the games for a live-stream audience. “It’s a huge experience for the kids. It was awesome,” said Townsend.
For Townsend, the 11-day tournament became his summer vacation, something he didn’t mind a bit.
Townsend, who coached the team with Todd Dea and Ronnie Jaime, understands the lasting impact a trip to the nationals can have on young players. A few years ago, his oldest son qualified for the bigs nationals in Calgary, and as a 12-year-old growing up in Calgary, Townsend himself played in a national tournament on Vancouver Island.
“It was a whole ton of fun. I still remember it,” he said.
After the tournament, Townsend told his players he was extremely proud of their effort and said he hoped they cherished the experience.
“They all had a gas, meeting these kids from across Canada and playing ball at that level,” he said.
