Rainy River looking to rejoin fastball league

The Rainy River District Fastball League likely will grow to eight teams this season after Rainy River expressed interest in rejoining it during a meeting last Thursday.
The other teams are the Emo Bulldogs (defending champs), Barwick, Stratton, Big Grassy, Big Island, Sight & Sound, and Pinewood.
But while the addition of Rainy River would be a boost to the league, several other teams are having trouble finding players due to work and other commitments.
Anyone interested in playing can contact league president John Desaulniers at 483-5357.
Bryan Bonot returns as vice-president Bryan Bonot, with George Oltsher to be the treasurer. Oltsher had acted as secretary-treasurer last season but the secretary portion will be undertaken by Derek McKinnon this year.
The new publicity director in charge of the schedule and statistics will be Grant Swire (the schedule isn’t expected to be finalized until late this week).
Meanwhile, the league will see a pair of major rule changes this season.
First, the rule which allows pitchers to hop off the mound will be reinstated. Changed last year to give hitters more of an advantage, it proved to be too difficult for the umpires to call.
The league also will force all players to wear a batting helmet when at the plate (previously it had been an individual decision) although the new rule won’t take effect until July 4 to give teams ample chance to adjust to it.
“It’s a good idea, especially for players who want to play competitively,” said Desaulniers. “It’s a lot safer and it’s better for insurance purposes.”
The league also has changed the day of its all-star game (to be played in Stratton this year) from a Tuesday night to Thursday.