For 100 years, Softball New Brunswick has been growing its sport one community at a time. The not-for-profit group, which started in Fredericton in 1926, seeks to foster and support softball across New Brunswick through programs, initiatives and tournaments. Executive director Cameron Rogers, who started with the organization as a summer student, said one of their biggest goals is to connect groups in the province. “We really try to support the sport,” Rogers said. “We’re still bursting at the seams to provide opportunities. “Softball is doing really well. We’ve seen continued growth. It’s really great to see that softball is becoming even bigger.” Rogers said one of their newest initiatives is the community development program, which offers equipment, training and other resources for New Brunswick towns to try softball for the first time. “When we look in the past, we’ve noticed softball is really big in smaller communities around the province,” Rogers said. “How can we get back into the smaller communities? “We’re pretty healthy in the Fredericton and surrounding areas. There’s an untapped market up north. Geography limits you a bit. We’re trying to connect the dots in the province but we also want to strengthen the groups we have right now.” Rogers also noted the group is trying to expand interest in softball with men. “Male softball isn’t quite as dominant as baseball,” Rogers said. “We’re trying to put a focus on the male softball game as it used to be massive. It’s something we’ve put a priority on. “It’s a challenge when you’re competing with other sports.” To mark its 100th anniversary, Softball New Brunswick is hosting a celebration along with the U15 Women’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship at the Prospect Street Fields in Fredericton on July 30. The festivities kick off at 3 p.m. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
