For Kristan Blair, the recipe for building a successful minor sports organization is the same as it was 30 years ago – people who care.
Blair, who is in charge of fundraising and sponsorship for the Wallaceburg Minor Baseball Association, spoke recently during the association’s Warrior Days. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the Warriors name in Wallaceburg baseball.
The name began with the Warriors Senior team and the minor baseball affiliation took place shortly after when Randy McNeil, one of the senior team founders (along with Pat Davis and Jim Blake), became president of minor baseball.
“We have a board of 15, tons of volunteers, and fantastic coaches who make it fun and interesting so that the kids keep coming back every year,” she said.
The association has about 250 players ranging from T-Ball (ages five and six) to U-18. The 11 teams involve boys and girls, as well as baseball and fastball.
Although the emphasis is on fun, the association has a skills director and offers winter programming at the Kinsmen Gym for more advanced and competitive players.
“We play everywhere from Alvinston to Blenheim,” she said. “There’s always something going on.”
Warriors Days featured games and activities at parks across Wallaceburg.
“We’re lucky to have some great local sponsors such as Legacy Sports, Kim Murray at Desjardins Insurance and Splash Pools. They’re a key part of what we do,” Blair said.
For Blair, involvement is a family affair.
“My two boys Nolan and Lucas, play ball, and my husband Scott is involved, but it started with my parents, Newt and Deb Richardson. I grew up playing baseball, my mom was on the board forever ago and my dad coached, so I just decided to give back.”
“Not a ton has changed, honestly,” she said. “The smiles on the kids’ faces make it worthwhile.”
The association’s website https://wallaceburgminorball.ca/ has more information about activities for the remainder of the year.
