There is one more big baseball event of the season and if Mother Nature cooperates it will happen for free tonight at 7 p.m. at Coates Stadium.
The Simcoe Community Services Celebrity Baseball Game takes place this evening with members of Barrie City Council, the media, the Baycats and the all-stars from the Barrie Integrated Baseball Association competing in a fun and inclusive slo-pitch baseball game. Jamie Hall is the stakeholder relations manager for Simcoe County Services and says that while he will be watching the skies for rain, the hope is a great night of fun on the diamond.
“Yeah we are hoping for no rain and as it is currently we are good to go,” said Hall. “The Simcoe Community Services are involved here as we are an organization that provides support to those who have an intellectual disability, regardless of their age, and assists them in being a part of society despite that disability. We know that it is so important for everyone to be involved in life’s daily joys and sports is a huge part of that.”
The Barrie Integrated Baseball Association serves those in the region with special needs and provides a fun place to play baseball. The league operates annually and game days are Thursdays with everything involved that is involved in any other baseball league. The BIBA annual banquet and awards night is Oct. 19 and is a dinner and dance for the organization to honour another great season. Hall says that the main thing that the BIBA and the SCS want to promote is inclusion.
“No one should have to sit on the sidelines and not be able to play because of any reason,” said Hall. “The league lets everyone play and some great examples of that are for those in a wheelchair, there is a designated runner. Another thing that is just remarkable to see is for anyone who requires some help while in the outfield, there is a buddy system so they can be out there and enjoying the game play, fresh air and the sport itself. It really promotes self-esteem and friendships that last a lifetime. Tonight’s game will not only take place in my opinion, the best field in the province, but we will have music for the batters and the scoreboard will be up and running; it is going to feel like a big game for those involved.”
Some of the local celebrities involved will be Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman, Ward 9 councillor Sergio Morales, on-air talent from local radio stations and members of the current Intercounty League Baseball champion Barrie Baycats. The game is free for all to attend and goes from 7p.m. to approximately 8:30 p.m. at Coates Stadium at the Barrie Community Sports Complex.
