ST. THOMAS -- The 2005 Canadian men's fastball championship at the Doug Tarry complex over the last eight days has been heralded as a success.
It drew more spectators than it did when it was held at the complex in 1999 -- 35,000 compared to 30,000; made more money; had ideal weather; drew praise; and produced a national team championship for the city as well as proving an economic boost to the community.
"It was a great success," said Larry Walker, finance chairperson of the tournament committee. "We'll make a profit of between $60,000 and $80,000."
The tournament was bid on and won by the Centennial Sports Club of St. Thomas, a non-profit organization that raises money for minor sports.
Besides a $40,000 payment to Softball Canada, the largest expense was $20,000 to the city of St. Thomas for field rental, Walker said.
"Softball Canada wants us to bid on the next one right away," Walker said. The championship is slated for Western Canada for the next couple of years and he figures Ontario's turn could come around in four or five years.
Already Walker is talking about doing things even better next time, such as bringing in more bleachers to accommodate capacity crowds. Some bleachers brought in were leased from the city of London.
Walker credited his 350 volunteers for the tournament's success.
The daily pass this year was $12, up from the $10 charged in 1999 but, Walker said, the food and drink was reasonably priced and drew compliments. "Softball Canada officials had never seen fruit dishes and salads, healthy foods, served up at a tournament before," he said.
