Holdfast, Saskatchewan was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays’ Jays Cares Foundation to receive funding for baseball diamond upgrades in 2024. The village already has two fully furbished diamonds and is in the process of constructing a third, which will benefit from the donation. The funds will be used to put tin on the dugouts and install a safety railing cap on the fence, enhancing the playing experience for the community members. Holdfast Baseball President Lora Bast expressed her excitement at the donation and mentioned that the fields now see teams from surrounding areas utilizing the space.
The community of Holdfast has a long history of baseball, with the fields being full when Bast was a child. However, there were many years without baseball before it began to pick up again. Now, Holdfast sees teams from nearby areas such as Dilke, Craik, and Imperial making use of the diamonds. The recognition from the Blue Jays has been exciting for Bast, who emphasized the challenges faced by small communities in funding and supporting community initiatives. Bast also acknowledged the support received from other organizations in the construction of the new diamond in 2023, with the field being named Bigfoot Diamond in honor of the Community Gardener Trust Fund, formerly known as Bigfoot Construction.
The donation from the Blue Jays will help Holdfast Baseball continue to improve its facilities and attract more players and teams to the community. The upgrades to the baseball diamonds will not only benefit current players but also future generations who will have access to better facilities for practicing and playing the sport. The support from the Blue Jays is a significant recognition of the efforts and commitment of Holdfast’s residents to revive and maintain baseball in their community.
Holdfast Baseball President Lora Bast highlighted the community’s dedication to baseball and the importance of having modern and safe facilities for players of all ages. The upgrades funded by the Blue Jays will contribute to creating a more enjoyable and competitive environment for baseball enthusiasts in Holdfast and the surrounding areas. Bast expressed gratitude for the recognition from the Blue Jays and emphasized the impact of small donations and community support in achieving larger projects like the construction of the new baseball diamond.
The partnership between Holdfast Baseball and the Toronto Blue Jays’ Jays Cares Foundation represents a meaningful collaboration between a small, rural community and a professional sports organization. The donation received will make a significant difference in the quality of the baseball diamonds in Holdfast, providing a better experience for players, coaches, and spectators. The acknowledgment from the Blue Jays serves as a validation of the hard work and dedication of the community members in preserving and promoting the sport of baseball in their village.
Overall, the funding from the Blue Jays will help Holdfast Baseball continue to grow and thrive, offering opportunities for players of all ages to enjoy and participate in the sport. The upgrades to the baseball diamonds demonstrate a commitment to building a strong and vibrant baseball community in Holdfast, showcasing the power of collaboration, generosity, and passion for the sport. The support from the Blue Jays will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on Holdfast and its residents, fostering a sense of unity and pride in their shared love for baseball.
