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---- Tr "A Family Tradition for 128 Years" PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, July 5,1994 - 15 -- Sr D> PORT PERRY STAR ORTS by J. Peter Hvidsten Port Perry Star The bats cracked, the dust flew and the sun shone brightly every day the long weekend for the first ever Scugog Fields of Dreams Slo-Pitch Tournament. Organizers are proclaiming the massive event a success, although at press time it was Tired, but happy, the executive committee of last Dream comes true for organizers yet to be determined if a profit was realized from their months of preparation and toil. Accepting registrations until almost the last minute brought a total of 71 teams to Scugog ball fields over the three-day weekend. And aside from a cou- ple of "no-shows," which meant last minute re-scheduling of J. PETER HVIDSTEN / PORT PERRY weekend's Fields of Dreams Slo-Pitch Tournament take a breather late Sunday night at the Scugog arena. The three- day event attracted 71 teams to Port Perry for this first annual event. The organizers included, back left, Jim Grosvener and Randy Hathaway, and front left, Glen McCoy, Fred Nagle and Doug Dempsey. (See story) Canada-USA Softball Challenge returns to Port Perry July 14 By Kelly Lown Port Perry Star In one week's time, the Sioux City Soos and the Toronto Ga- tors will move into Port Perry for a double header softball match at the lakefront dia- monds. The Canada-USA Challenge, which was a huge success in its first year in Scugog last season, is making a return appearance on Tuesday, July 14. The exhibition double header will see last year's competitors, the Sioux City Gat owl 2000 Soos, facing the World Champi- on Toronto Gators. The Gators, the reigning On- tario Senior, Canadian Senior and International Senior Champions, will be making their first appearance in Scu- go8- The Soos, who are making a return appearance after losing a double header last year, are considered a strengthened team, and a contender, competi- tive with any team in North America." The event, organized by Port Perry and District Minor Soft- ball, will feature some of the premier players in the game. Organizers are once again hoping to fill the streets for the annual event. Dave Kay, past president of the local softball as- sociation, said he is hoping it is a great night and one that will fill the bleachers for the event. The downtown core will be closed off to allow for extra seat- ing for the event. A beer tent will also be set up for the eve- ning festivities. The opening ceremonies will some games, the tournament went off without a hitch. Chairman Doug Dempsey told the Star late Sunday night he was pleased with the overall success of the event. "It's a learning process the first year and we've learned a number of things," he said. Although tired, and not want- ing to speculate too much on next year, he said now that the ground work has been done it (Fields of Dreams) will definite- ly go ahead next year. Randy Hathaway, who is cred- ited with the original "dream" to hold a large slo-pitch tourna- ment in the community said he was pleased with the outcome. "I've had a lot of positive com- ments from the teams who want to come back next year," he said. Mr. Hathaway also praised the township for jumping in to help prepare the ball diamonds behind the arena. "The dia- monds were in super condition," he said. Another of the team of organ- izers, Jim Grosvener was equal- ly pleased with the results of the weekend but said they need- ed more people on the commit- tee next year. The small five person commit- tee consisted of Doug Dempsey, Fred Nagle, Glen McCoy, Randy Hathaway and Jim Grosvenor. Mr. Grosvenor said he felt there should be between 15-20 people on the committee next year. with the turnout on Friday night when approximately 400 people showed to enjoy the sounds of Pink Cadillac. But on Saturday night an estimated 1,200 people packed the arena for Yuk Yuk's Comedy Show. Mr. Dempsey said due to the small crowd on Friday night he is unsure if they will make a profit on the weekend's be held at 7:16 a.m. and the first pitch is expected at 7:35 p.m. Admission will be $5 per person. A donation will be accepted for those under the age of 14, who are accompanied by a parent. Between games 650/60 draws will be held as well as the PPMSA's fundraising draw. This could be the only meet- ing between the two teams this season, unless they meet in the ISC final, and both organiza- tions stress neither team will look at the game as just an exhi- 'bition match. Although the Gators are the reigning champs, the Soo team is probably in the top three teams in the United States, and local fans will see a different team than last year at the chal- Turnto Page 16 ® Organizers were disappointed activities. Proceeds from the Fields of Dreams tournament will be donated to Port Perry Minor Softball, with the intention of the money being targeted towards lights at the new dia- monds behind the arena. With 71 teams competing, it's estimated that more than 1,000 men and women stood up to the plate and took a swing over the weekend. Following are the divisions and results of the final games on Sunday. Masters 35 - Intermediate Orillia 9 - Oshawa 7 Masters 35 - "A" ~ Winchester Hawks 19 Canadian Home Therapy 4 Ladies Recreation Uxbridge Teams 3 Nestleton Mustangs 0 Fields of Dreams a smashing success Men's Recreation "A" Martyn's Haulage 10 Coldwell Banker 3 Men's Recreation "B" Oshawa Caribooze 11 Scarborough Warriors 0 Men's D - "A" _. Ajax Steelers 14 Courtice 2 Co-Ed Recreation "A" Sunderland Our Gang 12 Hit & Miss 0 Co-Ed Recreation "B" Lindsay Frosties 9 Caesarea Long Gone 3 With Fields of Dreams barely history Mr. Dempsey said Sunday night, "next year it'll be bigger and better." And there's little doubt if five dedicated men can achieve the success they did with the '94 Fields of Dreams, if they get more help it can only get better. es Darren Zack, will be the starting pitcher for the Toronto Ga- tors during the Canada-US Challenge to be held in Port Per on July 14, Please see story for more details. Tony