The Tribune

THE Outsiders captured the 8th annual Sam Haven Invitational Co-Ed Softball Tournament title on Monday in the Banker’s Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.

Rebounding from their only loss in the one-day tournament, hosted by the Banker’s Athletic Association, the Outsiders avenged their 5-3 loss to BAF Financial to turn the tables with a 14-1 rout in the final game of the day.

By virtue of winning the title, the Outsiders took home the lion’s share of the cash prize as they were awarded $700 for their efforts, while BAF picked up the remaining $300. 

The Haven family matched the $500 put up by the tournament organisers as their continued donation in memory of Sam Haven, whom the tournament was named after.

The event, known for fostering camaraderie and friendly rivalry among banking professionals, once again delivered a memorable experience for all involved. 

Jayson Clarke, a director for the Banker’s Athletics Association, said they were really appreciative of the teams who showed up to participate, considering that it was the holiday weekend.

“I think we had some very competitive games among the teams we had participating,” he said. “We had intended to use the fields at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex, but we only used the Banker’s Field. “I think it provided more of a competitive atmosphere with all of the teams playing on the same field. This is what I think Sam Haven would have preferred because this was where he played when he was alive and a part of our organization.”

With no other league playing softball, except for the New Providence Oldtimers Softball Association with games being held at the Archdeacon William Thompson Softball Park at the Southern Recreation Grounds, Clarke said they didn’t have as many teams as anticipated.

Looking forward to the ninth edition in 2025, Clarke said they may consider hosting the tournament during the softball season and not on the holiday so that they can attract more teams.

But he said with the teams who showed up, the fans got their money’s worth because the games were all competitive from start to finish. He thanked the Haven family for coming out and sharing with the softball community as they reflected on the life of Sam Haven.

Petra Haven, daughter of the late Sam Haven, threw out the ceremonial first pitch, marking the beginning of an action-packed day of softball. .

Two standout players were also recognized for their exceptional performances during the tournament. Sophie Cartwright of Scotiabank was named the female MVP, while Kerron Sands, also of Scotiabank, earned the title of male MVP.

Results from the other games played are as follows: BAF def. BOB 3-2; Scotia Bank ef. BOB 8-2; Outsiders def. Scotiabank 9-0; BAF def. CIBC 16-1; Scotiabank def. CIBC 19-4; CIBC def. BOB 4-3; BAF def. Outsiders 5-3; Scotiabank def. BOB 4-3 and Outsiders def. Scotiabank 7-6.