Games offer vulnerable Hamiltonians an opportunity for fun and healing
Matt Moir, CBC News
Posted: Aug 23, 2013 4:45 PM ET
Last Updated: Aug 23, 2013 4:56 PM ET
The men and women tossing the ball across the diamond on a sunny August morning don't have uniforms, and many don't even have their own glove.
They aren't playing for millions of dollars, nor do they have a stadium full of fans cheering them on. But that doesn't mean that being out on the field isn't important to them.
"I use it as a tool for keeping me sober. I've always loved sports and it keeps me clean," said Rod Kelly, 48, as he takes some practice swings before a game. I try to utilize my time wisely, so this is a good way to do it."
Organized by the Wesley Urban Ministries, the Hamilton Homeless Baseball League gives homeless men and women the opportunity to engage in meaningful, positive activity.
'I use it as a tool for keeping me sober. I've always loved sports and it keeps me clean.'—Rod Kelly
The players are homeless or have been homeless in the past, and many struggle with addiction, mental health issues and physical disabilities.
For some players, the games are the only exercise they get in a week.
The program is the brainchild of Bruce Rodger, a former shelter resident who has struggled with addiction and other problems. He read in the newspaper about a similar program in Toronto, and brought the idea to Wesley.
It was a success from the start, and this year the league is celebrating its fifth anniversary.
The games generally draw 30 to 50 participants from across Hamilton, and are played every Friday at Eastwood Park near Burlington and Ferguson streets.
The players are of all ages and backgrounds, and the community donates equipment.
"It's about getting them associating with other people instead of just…whatever they're going through. If I can get one guy to change his life over the period of a season, it's worth it. It worked for me in the beginning, and I know a lot of guys in this program it's helping," said Rodger.
Chuck Hinton, 60, throws a runner out at first. ((Matt Moir/CBC)) The players joke about scouts offering signing bonuses and getting "promoted to the big leagues," but many quietly explained that being out in the sun, surrounded by friends who can relate to the challenges and difficulties they're going through is what gets them out on the field.
"I did a long time in jail, and when you got too much time on your hands, you get in trouble. I got a real bad temper, and when people piss me off, I get in fights," said Randy Raworth, 52.
For Raworth- who plays a slick shortstop- playing ball relieves the stress and tension that often plagues him.
"I know everyone here, and I'd rather be out here and playing baseball rather than sitting at home looking at a TV or whatever. I'm 52, I'm not getting any younger so it's good to run around and act like a fool."
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