It is not uncommon in Cayman for
residents to be good in more than one sport. However it is rare that a group of
hockey lovers form the backbone of a successful softball side.
Such is the case with the Master
Batters. The squad recently ended their campaign in the 2010 Fall Adult Co-ed
Softball League, put on by the Cayman Islands Little League. The side lost to
Yosvani Ebanks and the A.L. Thompson Drills in the B league championship match
last week at the Field of Dreams in George Town.
Steadying the Master Batters is a
collection of notable figures in local hockey: Chris Creighton, Scott Gossen,
Joe Jewitt, Jamie Lyon Mark Missal and Darren Pott. Almost all of them play
both versions of the sport on-island using roller skates and a hockey ball (as
opposed to a hockey puck).
Missal is one of the captains of
the squad (along with Gossen). The Saskatchewan, Canada native states the
transition from hockey to softball is easy with familiar faces all around.
“Most of the guys on the ball team
play on the same hockey team as well so everyone is used to playing on the same
squad,” Missal said. “There are a couple guys on different hockey teams so when
we face each other on the rink, it’s all about bragging rights for the next
ball game! There isn’t a lack of chirping to the guys who come out on the
losing side of the games! But it’s all in fun.
“I have actually played softball
since I moved to the island back in 2005. I have been the team captain for
probably five of the last six seasons or something like that. Its been so many,
I can’t keep count anymore! I played baseball my whole life back in Canada and
this is pretty much my only option on island so I enjoy it.”
Being on the cusp of championship glory
is nothing new for Missal. He is part of the CIBC Islanders, last year’s ball
hockey title winners and his Budget Beavers roller hockey squad are perennial
contenders for the regular season and Cherry Cup crowns. In softball his Master
Batters have been steady threats in the A league.
In spite of this year’s runner-up
spot, Missal states he is pleased with his side’s performance this season.
“I think the final went well. We
had a few mistakes here and there that cost us a couple runs but otherwise we played
a pretty solid all-around game. Obviously not the outcome we were hoping for
but we wish the Drills all the best in the A division next season.
“We had a great season. We have a
good bunch of people on our team, so anytime you can come out to the ball park
and have a few drinks and play a game with some friends, it’s a good time. We
played OK throughout the regular season and started heating up for the playoffs
like we usually do as we crushed the ball in our first two post-season games.
Anytime you make it to the championship your season has been pretty good.”
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