The Virden Sr. Ladies Gold Rush opened their Westman Ladies Fastball League on June 23 in Brandon. This summer the league returned after a two-year absence caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Virden squad hosts its home opener against Killarney on July 14.
The team previously competed as the Westman Wild. Britt Lawson Corbett, the squad’s media executive, explained that with some players not returning and many new faces joining it felt appropriate to take on a new name.
“After some discussion, various ideas, and a vote, we opted for Gold Rush, just like the minor fastball teams,” she said. “We like to think of those younger teams as our future recruits, and we want to show them that fastball can be a lifetime sport.”
Some of the team’s players coach local fastball teams. The Sr. Ladies players come from various backgrounds and professions. They are brought together by their love of fastball.
“Many of used to play very competitive high-level fastball, and this team lets us keep some of that competitive edge,” Lawson Corbett said. “We practice and play Thursday nights, so it’s nice to have that dedicated time every week to be together as a team.”
Early on, it looks like hurling will be a key strength for the Gold Rush.
“We have incredible dept in pitching, which is almost unheard of at this level of fastball,” Lawson Corbett said. “With various levels of experience and individual strengths, they are going to be a force to be reckoned with.”
The Gold Rush’s home games are on Diamond E at 7:30 p.m. At the July 14 home opener, Valleyview Co-op is the sponsor. The first 25 fans will receive free popcorn and water. On July 21, in a home contest against Hartney, Boston Pizza is sponsoring a free pizza for the first 25 children to the game. The Gold Rush host Wawanesa on July 28. The league tournament will be held in Hartney on Aug. 13.
