Crestview Men's Fastball League History

(Courtesy of Phil Hayden)

The Crestview Men's Fastball League started with a sociable phone call 60 years ago. In the summer of 1964, a call was made from a house on Hillary Bay to one on Highcliff Bay, suggesting a Sunday afternoon recreational ball game between the two Bays. Little did anyone realize that call would mark the humble beginnings of a community men's fastball league.

When it all started, a lot of people were new to the area. New homes were being built and new streets and bays emerging. In the beginning, you could have your wife, daughter, sons, sister, whoever, playing in the games. There were no real rules, or uniforms, just folks having fun. From time to time there would be a challenge for a box of beer, but of course it didn't matter who won because everyone helped drink the beer anyway.

As word got out, the quality of play improved, the kids departed, and Sunday afternoon games evolved into the more organized CMFL.

There were a number of original teams. Some folded and other teams were formed.

Originally, teams could only recruit players who lived on their respective streets or bays, but as time went on, players from the immediate community area and beyond were included.

In the early 1970's, three new tournaments were held throughout the season along with the regular games schedule to coincide with the September long weekend. The September long weekend final tournament was started in 1967 when people from the Morgan Community Club brought in the fair (Wonder Shows) with rides etc and wanted plenty of people to attend. It was called "Crestview Fun Days". They approached some of the people in the CMFL and asked if they would like to hold a ball tournament to coincide with the far, so they did! That was in the first week of September in 1967. No trophies were awarded, just bragging rights. It became an annual event after that, with trophies emerging along with prize money and this became the championship series for the CMFL.

Later on, the boundaries were extended eastward and south to include Charleswood. It was a natural evolution as the boundaries had to open up because of aging players and the emergence of Slo Pitch, which a lot of people turned to.

In the early 1980's, a dramatic uprising in the quality of players entered the league. Our league has definitely gotten more competitive and there are many quality players and individuals in the league.

The CMFL is very well governed with an excellent group of people to meet and socialize with. The people involved in this league make it enjoyable.

Raise a glass and toast the successes of

our Crestview Men's Fastball League!