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www.oakvillebeaver.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, June 11, 2010 · 36 League has helped women build lasting friendships Continued from page 35 an injured player last year and I got to stay and play this summer," said 23-year-old learns something new each year." Coombs added that the biggest highlight Amanda Standidge, who grew up watching for her, aside from playing ball with her her mom play in GALS and always wanted GALS friends, is the time she spends with to be part of the fun. "I'm meeting so many her old and new friends from the league new people, so it's always fun. I've always been a soccer player. This was challenging outside of the actual baseball diamond. The local women have formed bowling, at first, but I'm getting the hang of things hockey and volleyball teams to keep them now." Standidge said she loves busy when weather makes it playing in the league, but gets impossible for them to play ball. "If something nervous every time she faces The women in the league are goes wrong in a her mom. all different ages, but they all player's life, "Playing against my mom is share the similar reasons for someone will very nerve-wracking. Especially joining in on the fun. always be there when she decides to pitch "The biggest thing that against me," the younger GALS has given me since I to help pick them Standidge added. "She's my signed up 25 years ago has been right back up." mom, but I still want to beat the friendships and connections her and win every time. We I've made. We are all a very n Erma Element, have a very friendly rivalry tight-knit group. Everyone is one of six original going on at home now." like a family," said Erma GALS players The league expanded from Element, one of six ladies in the league who have participated since the first four to six teams in 1988, and then to eight season. "We're all there for each other when in 1994. GALS first games were first played things gets tough. We've had some girls on the soccer fields at Nottinghill Gate. The that have dealt with death and serious ill- ladies soon moved their home fields to nesses like cancer and we've even lost a few Aldercrest, beside St. Ignatius of Loyola players and coaches over the years for dif- Catholic Secondary School. Presently, the Glen Abbey Ladies Sloferent reasons. If something goes wrong in a player's life, someone will always be there pitch league plays its games Monday to to help pick them right back up. The girls Thursday at Sixteen Hollow Park, on Westoak Trails Blvd. near Glen Abbey's all pitch in and help each other out." Element added that the parties after Westview Terrace. Females of all ages are most of the games are also a huge bonus. "A welcome. Mackenzie also offered her prediction for lot of us even get together at each other's house after the games are over. We always the future of GALS. "I think this league is going strong and have a lot of great food and parties going there's no reason why we can't go another on." And even after all these years playing, 25 years. I'm just afraid that if we expand Element's biggest thrill from coming out to too much, we will lose the closeness of the the games and being part of the action is players. Even though we play ball and do have some really good athletes, it's the when she reaches base safely. Part of what makes GALS so unique is social aspect that really makes GALS that some players have seen their own unique. "I don't think there are many other daughters grow up to play with and against them and a few have even seen their grand- leagues out there with as many social ERIC RIEHL / SPECIAL TO THE OAKVILLE BEAVER opportunities as us. The girls are all close children suit up. "I joined the league as a substitution for friends and it really goes beyond the base- THE CO-FOUNDER: Glen Abbey Ladies Slo-Pitch co-founder Charlene MacKenzie throws the ceremonial first pitch to open the league's 25th anniversary season last month at Sixteen Hollow Park. ball." OVER 60,000 SATISFIED CUSTOMERS Tickets available at the Copps Coliseum Box Office Order online at or call 905-527-7666 BEAT THE HST! HURRY GOV REBATE ENDS SOON 9 Locations To Serve You Better! *Call Dealer for Details *See dealer # Best Price # Best Service for details # Same Day Installation Available # Eligible for O.P.A. & Government Rebate THE BIGGEST SALE EVER $ 500 OFF 905-849-4998 www.aireone.com 1-888-827-2665 A+ Rating Royals product drafted by Jays Dalton Pompey, a 17-year-old switch-hitting outfielder who plays in the Oakville Royals program, was selected in the 16th round of the Major League Baseball draft Tuesday by the Toronto Blue Jays. Last month, the Mississauga resident was a member of Canada's 30-man junior team that played in the Dominican Republic for 10 days against summer league teams affiliated with Major League clubs. Earlier in the year, the speedy outfielder led the Canadians with six hits at ESPN's Wide World of Sports tournament. Pompey currently plays for the Oakville Royals Under-18 team in the Premier Baseball League. The Blue Jays selected the sixfoot-one, 170 pound outfielder with the 486th pick in the draft. He has signed a letter of intent to play for the University of St. Francis in Indiana after he graduates from high school. Pompey will attend a Canadian junior baseball team camp from July 4-22, where the squad's roster will be cut down to the 20-man limit for the 2010 world championships to be played later this summer in Thunder Bay.