The idea to start the VALLEY MIXED SLOPITCH LEAGUE was kicked around as early as 1985 by those of us in the old Langley Mixed Slo-pitch League that wanted a less competitive league. In 1987, with the invaluable help of Al Dutchak, founder and President of the Langley Mixed Slo-pitch League (est. 1969) and Bill Lindahl of Langley Parks and Recreation, teams such as the NADS, PARKLANE, the HOSERS and the COASTERS along with many individuals from the LMSL took a "leap of faith" and committed to leaving a well established league to start play in the spring of 1988 as the VALLEY MIXED SLOPITCH LEAGUE.

The aim of the new league was to make each game a social, friendly event while maintaining the structure and dignity of the game. To this end it was decided to have no standings and to umpire our own games during the season. The age limit rule, with exceptions, was to allow underage family members and friends to be on teams--what a thrill to play ball with you kids!

Al Dutchak supplied the umps for our tournaments and eventually became our first Umpire-in-Chief.  A permanent concrete picnic bench with a plaque in his honour was donated by the league to Brown Rd. park following his passing.

In the beginning, none of us knew how long the VMSL would exist--my own thoughts were if it could survive the first 5 years the prospects for a long life were bright. Thanks to all those who participated and helped along the way, the league is heading into its 22nd successful year. The "presidents" that took over  following my stepping away in 2001-2002 -- Don Gaulder, then Elaine & Chris Jones and now Aimee & Rob Newton have all added their changes to the league while making sure the original intent of the "new" league remained.

A few of my favorite memories from the past are the "PANASONIC PLAY OF THE GAME " award (ask the Nads), the 50th birthday antics directed and presented to me at the 1996 dance (including the old Urinal gift which became the annual Most Sportmanlike Team award, and the tournament trophy presentations by the Dhaliwal brothers--Rick Alonzo and Brian Chodachek) and the torrential rain at some of the early tournaments with players from all teams using buckets, shovels, plastic cups etc. to bail out the diamonds and make them playable.

Reflecting back, I believe the greatest achievements have been the romantic ones -- the many that have found their mates from within the league over the years. Aimee & Rob, Barb & Jay, Shrubby & Caren, Scotty & Terry, etc., etc.

            Thanks for the memories,

                       Warren Pratt, League Founder