The Linwood Chiefs had a great time out east — even if they failed to win quite as many games as they hoped.
The Chiefs, coached by Don Freeman, competed in the national fastball championships in St. Croix from Aug. 2 to 8.
“It was a great place to go for a ball tournament,” said Freeman. “It was on the edge of Halifax in a little town.”
The Chiefs managed to take in quite a few of the sights and sounds of Halifax, fitting everything from a visit to the local buskers’ festival, to a deep sea fishing trip.
When it came to fastball, however, “we didn’t do as good as I wanted,” admitted Freeman.
The Chiefs came away from the tournament with two wins, a few more close matches, and some games where they were “taught some lessons.”
Still, added Freeman, “we’re still young, and looking forward to next year.”
Freeman said that the quality of play in the tournament was quite good, with the top teams of each province competing for national honours. The province of Ontario, however, sent several teams, and few came from as small a community as Linwood.
The Chiefs had to undertake a significant amount of fundraising before they left, raising $20,000 to cover travelling expenses.
Freeman said that one gratifying thing about the entire experience was to see just how much the Linwood community was behind the team.
At a spaghetti dinner held in July, Freeman said nearly the entire community came out, helping the boys raise the money they needed to go.
Knowing that support is there, and given the fact that the majority of the Chiefs team will return next year for another year of midget play, Freeman is sure they will try for another run.
“We have full intentions to do better next year, if we can qualify again.”