From Friday to Sunday, five teams from outside the NWT will compete alongside the Yellowknife Merchants in the Northwestern Fastball Invitational.
Devin Hinchey, organizer of the invitational and member of the Merchants, said this is the first time in his memory such a tournament will happen in Yellowknife.
“It was a lot of work, so we’re eager to get playing, and hopefully everyone cross your fingers that we don’t have rain and we can get through the whole weekend,” said Hinchey.
Hinchey said hosting the event in Yellowknife came about by accident as he tried to set up games between the Merchants and Grande Prairie Pirates.
The Alberta team’s tournament schedule wasn’t finalized yet and after cold-calling a few other fastball teams – including BC’s STK Fastball, a fourth-place finisher at the International Softball Congress 2025 World Tournament – there were enough teams for a tournament.
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“Anyone who has watched fastball in town, the speed of these players, everything they do – pitching, throwing, hitting, running the bases – is at such a higher level,” said Hinchey of the calibre to expect from the visiting teams.
“We have a few players coming who have won the world tournament or that are currently on their home country’s national teams. Just seeing how they handle the game and approach the game, it’s unlike anything most of us have seen in the fastball community up here.”
The Broken Bow Blazers from BC, Can West Thunder from Manitoba and North American Braves, with players from Canada, the United States and Mexico, complete the teams for the invitational.
STK Fastball is offering a youth clinic on July 23 in which participation is free. Hinchey said minor ball coaches are also welcome to attend.
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“I’m very excited to play, but I’m more excited for the youth clinic. That is such an opportunity for our youth here,” said Hinchey.
The winning team gets $8,000 and a spot in the International Softball Congress 2027 World Tournament.
Games start on Friday at 11am then at 9am on Saturday and Sunday. An opening ceremony will feature the Yellowknives Dene Drummers while city councillor Rob Foote will throw a ceremonial pitch at 6pm on Friday.
“Whether you’re cheering for us or you’re cheering for another team, it goes a long way when you’re on the field and you can hear people yelling out, supporting the team,” said Hinchey.
Hinchey said games will be live-streamed on the Yellowknife Merchants Fastball Facebook page for those who can’t attend in person.
