By Kevin Dobbelsteyn
Twenty five years ago, the Komox Real Baseball League, for players 35 and over, was organized by a few energetic young men.
The league has evolved into the best masters league in the country, and spawned plenty of exciting baseball, enduring friendships and rivalries, and sending numerous teams to major tournaments in Phoenix and Florida. And, of course, an annual trip to the Canadian National Oldtimers Championships (Vancouver, Charlottetown, Edmonton, Toronto and Medicine Hat), finally winning the 57-plus national title in 2016. Quite a resume for a small-town sports organization.
Twenty-five years later, however, those organizing men are still energetic, but not so young.
When you are 40, playing against 35-year-olds is not a big deal. But when you are 65 or 60 or 55, that youngster of 35 throws pretty hard and runs pretty fast. That new knee or new hip or other issues can slow us down a touch.
Is it time for a change to the age restrictions for the league? I believe it is time. I am not one of the original guys, but I have been around since 1993 and been part of all those items listed earlier. Here are my thoughts on what the league may look like in 2018.
The league will become a 50-and-over league:
• Perhaps four teams, playing at their Highland home field;
• Teams will play a seven-inning game once during the week;
• Each Sunday, starting at 9 a.m. or 5 p.m., there will be a nine-inning game.
• every other Sunday will be an off day for family;
• nine innings will prepare us for the playoffs;
• Batters cannot be thrown out at first base from the outfield;
• There may be a five-run rule.
There would continue to be a 35-and-over division:
• six teams, playing games at Highland and Bill Moore as needed;
• All teams would have a game during the week and a game on Sunday;
• Players over 50 could play in the division.
The benefits of these changes will be substantial. Careers will be extended by several years.
Players who have recently retired will consider coming back. Older players who have hesitated to join the younger league may lose that hesitation.
If you are 50-plus and a retired player or a potential player, please drop me an email with your thoughts, especially if you might consider playing in such a league.
Kevin.dobbelsteyn@investorsgroup.com