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Take me out to the ball game


Take me out to the ball game
June 2018
Published in the North Renfrew Times - Deep River ON

In case you haven’t noticed there is an amazing resurgence of interest in all things baseball in North Renfrew. While it hasn’t yet reached the fever pitch of the good old days of the North Renfrew Senior Baseball league in the 1950s to 70s, when the Deep River Rockets and the Chalk River Railroaders were active in that league, there is a great deal of baseball being played in the area. Indeed, there are tens and tens of young people, across a wide age spectrum, who are actually, get this, outside playing with other kids on ball diamonds in Deep River and Chalk River. And none of them have their noses stuck to a hand held screen or smart phone. These recreational facilities (baseball and soccer) are funded through the Deep River and Laurentian Hill, and Petawawa recreation organisations, examples of your tax dollars at work in North Renfrew. But more importantly, they are led and coordinated by enthusiastic community and youth oriented volunteers. Without these volunteers and of course parents, and other family members, there would be no ball leagues for local youth to play in at all. We are truly blessed with the interest, hard work and selfless dedication of our local volunteers to make ‘baseball’ a reality for our youth.
Along with the burgeoning youth ball programs, the Ottawa Valley Baseball League is also well under way for the summer of 2018. Comprised of six teams from across Renfrew County and the Pontiac, this competitive men's baseball league has captured the imagination of a growing fan base here in North Renfrew, especially for those who are following a rejuvenated Chalk River Railroaders squad. With teams from Petawawa, two from Pembroke, Killaloe, Chapeau and Chalk River the excitement of cheering on a local baseball team is once again a reality in North Renfrew. With games played out of Riverside Park in Pembroke, Petawawa, and Killaloe at family friendly dates and times, (Friday and Monday evenings and Saturday afternoons), here is your opportunity to spend some screen-free quality time with family and friends without having to travel too far down the line.
While you are at the game cheering on the young lads from Deep River and Chalk River who make up the Railroaders, you can chat with neighbours and friends about all the other news that has been covered in recently in the North Renfrew Times. In between innings, you can dig out your snacks and munch away as you talk about such things as the new fire service agreement, the repairs to the water filtration plant, and of course, one of our favourite Canadian pastimes, who is best to lead our fair province after the upcoming provincial election. Don’t worry, you won’t forget why you are there, the umpire will make the call… Play Ball!

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