The annual Doug Bradford Memorial Tournament was held at Great Chief Park this past weekend, hosted by the Red Deer Twilight Baseball League.
Doug Bradford, namesake of the tournament, was known for having started the Twilight Baseball League in the 1980s. Bradford dreamed of a league where older Red Deerians could continue their love of the game in a competitive and high level.
Since the league’s inception, it has become one of the most well-known seniors leagues in the country, with teams from the league having won both national and international titles including the Major Senior Baseball Leagues World Series 60 and over title in 2010.
This weekend’s tournament saw teams from across Alberta and Saskatchewan competing in two age categories: 30-plus and 45-plus.
The tournament’s 30-plus final saw the Team Alberta Fountain Tire Legends up against the Fort Saskatchewan A’s. The Legends took to the win 3-0.
While no local teams graced the field of the 30-plus division, the 45-plus division was conquered by the Red Deer Printing Place Padres as they beat Saskatoon with a score of 3-1.
President of the Red Deer Twilight, Blair Hanna, said the league contains players anywhere from 30- to 72-years-old and is a great way to keep active later in life.
“Red Deer has had a strong baseball community for years and years,” said Hanna
“We’ve always had really strong minor ball programs in the City and with the Riggers, Stags and Razorbacks providing some top notch competitive opportunities there are plenty of talented players wanting to continue playing.”
Currently the local league contains six teams from Red Deer and one from Lacombe, with Hanna adding he and the league hope to find enough players to begin an eighth team next season to round out the league.
Those interested in joining can contact him at 403-598-6650.