Saskatoon's new, nostalgic baseball team is a home run

When Craig Wilson started a recreational baseball team in Saskatoon, he didn’t know if anyone would come. But just like the character Ray Kinsella in Field of DreamsWilson discovered: If you build it, they will come.

Wilson had observed the development of sandlot leagues in the United States. The leagues offer adults the opportunity to play baseball in a non-competitive atmosphere.

“It comes from the movie of the same name, where the same kids come together every week and play,” Wilson said.

“It’s pretty relaxed, but they still follow the rules.”

In a Goldilocks-like dilemma, Wilson felt that baseball was too competitive for older men, but slo-pitch was too relaxed.

He decided to start his own clay court team, the Bridge City Blue Jays. He rented a field at Nutana Kiwanis Park and got the word out.

“I didn't think I would have much interest in it because I don't have many baseball buddies,” Wilson said.

“But the interest was great and is still growing. Everyone asks me every week if they can bring two of their friends.”

Since September, the team has been meeting every two weeks for a game. Between 20 and 30 people show up and split into two teams.

The game retains key elements of sandlot-era baseball—such as the use of wooden bats—but there are some rule changes to ensure it remains fun.

“When you hit a home run over the fence, you have to switch hands and hit the other way for the rest of the game to try to keep the balls in play instead of guys just trying to hit,” Wilson said.

Although there is no official competitive aspect, the team appears professional. Wilson is a graphic designer and had uniforms with a customized logo ready for everyone at the first game.

“I wanted a sense of professionalism without being part of a league,” Wilson said.

“That also seems to be part of this whole clay court revolution. Even though it's unorganized and even though there's no competition, everyone somehow takes the look and feel and the atmosphere seriously.”

Wilson was glad that others took the team's appearance as seriously as he did.

“I was just so impressed by the amount of people that turned up on the first day wearing blue boots, so brand new blue boots and new gloves. They hadn't played since they were teenagers and they went and just got into it. They just seem to love it.”

Berkeley Buchko is one of those well-dressed Bridge City Blue Jays.

“Honestly, this is the most fun I've had in a long time,” said Buchko. “It reminds me a lot of my childhood. We're reliving our youth a little bit.”

Even though the children themselves are not on the field, they can still enjoy the game days. Many players bring their children with them.

“They are referees and coaches and they have a lot of fun. They love it,” Buchko said. “My son even skips hockey practice to come to these games.”

Wilson said he hopes to play more matches next year and has set a long-term goal of competing in tournaments in the United States.

He has his eye on the Sandlot Baseball Bash at the Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa. The field is a replica of the set from the Kevin Costner film of the same name.

“Just the idea of ​​having a place to play, with no time limit and no pressure of competition. Throwing the ball, catching it and hearing the crack of the wooden bat,” Wilson said.

“That would be incredible.”

Buchko, who recently watched Field of Dreams with his children, said Wilson reminded him of the main character.

“Craig is Kevin Costner. Craig is a guy who doesn't do things by halves. He goes all the way,” Buchko said. “I'm so grateful to him for doing this.”

LISTEN | Saskatoon Morning's Heather Morrison stopped by a Bridge City Blue Jays game: