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The Ontario Amateur Softball Association (OASA) and the Norwich Hitmen are welcoming teams from across the province this coming weekend for the U17 Boys Fastball Provincials.
Seven top-tier teams will descend on Norwich, including clubs from Napanee, Amherstview, Chatsworth, Tara, Elmira, Wilmot. The event brings high-calibre fastball to town, with several teams already qualified for the Canadian championships after a recent qualifier in Elmira.
While Norwich didn’t qualify for Canadians, organizer and coach Bianca Ryksen says for a junior team they’re strong.
The Hitmen’s bullpen is made up of Jay Alexander, Grant deBelleval, Connor Harper and Ramsey Ryksen. They’re a tight-knit roster from all over the region.
If you’re unfamiliar with the “Hitmen,” the team recently adopted this new name—previously, they were known as the Otters. Fastball is alive and well in Norwich, but many players also compete in the men’s league and the players felt a new name was in order. Ryksen said the name went through many revisions before being finalized.
A great deal of preparation has gone into hosting the provincials, including coordinating with OASA, securing local sponsors—such as Norwich Legion, Davidson’s, Otterville Motors, Home Hardware, DM McIntosh Accounting, and Flooring Canada—and reserving hotel blocks in Simcoe, Woodstock, and Brantford.
Games are taking place across the Norwich ball diamonds with $10 weekend passes available. Spectators can enjoy a community-run barbecue on-site and relax on the patio at the nearby Legion, which is opening specially for the event.
Organizers expect a big crowd, with families, and local fans all coming out to support grassroots sport. With beautiful parks, strong local support, and elite competition, Norwich is proving itself once again as a fastball hotspot.
Written by Jeremy Hall