Swing Skirts to pitch in for opening of new ball diamond in Clifford

The new Clifford ball park is taking shape. Last year the boundaries were marked out and the sod packed into place.

Members of the Clifford Recreation Association and a group of volunteers joined forces with Town of Minto recreation facilities manager Al Carr on June 21. With the fence posts in place, they met at the field to begin installing the fencing around the perimeter.

On July 19, the first official pitch will be tossed from the new ball park at the official opening ceremony to be held during an OASA Squirt qualifier tournament.

In celebration of this event, the Clifford Swing Skirts pitcher Ruth (Field) Beisel will throw the first pitch to Minto Mayor George Bridge. Coincidentally, Beisel pitched for the official opening game of the new ball field 65 years ago.

According to historical references, “the ball park on William Street was officially opened on July 1, 1949 to a crowd of 1,200 spectators with a game between Clifford ‘Swing Skirts’ and Stratford Kroehlers. In the new park, the girls continued to roll up an impressive record. The Swing Skirts, under J.Allister Kruspe and Sade Widmeyer won championships in 1949, 1950, 1951, and in 1954 under George White. A Junior Girls’ championship was won in 1952.”

The idea for the team was spearheaded by Beryl Wightman and Ruth Field, who was the team’s number one pitcher every year.

They went to Ed Mathewson and George Ste. Marie for help to organize a team with players from the local area and three experienced players from Drew. In 1945, they joined the Western Ontario Athletic Association and did very well going all the way to the finals.”

A few of the original Swing Skirts will be on the diamond to encourage their pitcher.

To be a part of this historic moment, join the ladies, the players, the officials, Mayor Bridge, Wayne Martin and the Marlins at the new diamond at the foot of Allan St. East on July 19 at 10:30am.