Sixteen softball teams faced off last weekend in the 2017 Fernie Mixed Slo-Pitch softball playoffs.
This tournament marked the end of a long season of softball, which started in May.
ODB finished the playoffs in first place after a close game against the Southpaws, who took first place in the league with the most points overall.
ODB won their first game against the Southpaws, and on Sunday evening they faced off again as the only two teams remaining. Southpaws were forced to win their next game or be knocked out of the tournament. Going into the seventh inning, Southpaws were up by one run. In the bottom of the seventh, ODB scored two runs and took a 10-9 win.
“It was a very good game,” said Southpaws team manager, Anita Palmer. “Just what you want in the finals.”
Windy conditions caused sand to be tossed in the air, and this resulted in several halts throughout games on Sunday.
Almost every year, the Southpaws compete closely with ODB, a strong rival in the slo-pitch league.
Palmer has been playing softball for over 50 years, ever since grade school. She has never missed a season.
She joined the Southpaws in 1996, and has been playing with them every since. Several members of the team are original including Diane Casault, TJ Watson and Anita Palmer.
“The Southpaws are the team to beat!” said Palmer.
Palmer believes slo-pitch has a strong following in Fernie, and spoke to how her entire family is involved. There are also a few father/son, mother/daughter combinations on the Southpaws.
At the age of 83, Palmer’s grandfather pitched for their team in a tournament in Alberta.
“I guess you could say I have my grandfather’s passion for the game,” said Palmer.