The 2020 Gord Closson Old Timers Fall Classic fastball tournament will kick off at Waldon Park in Glenora this Friday with an opening game between Gord’s Geriatrics and Mark James Excavating.
Most of the action will take place on Saturday, starting at 8 a.m. with the Duncan Pipers facing the Victoria Outlaws. Games will start every hour after that on alternating fields. The last game is scheduled for 7 p.m. Playoffs run on Sunday, with the finals at 3 p.m.
There is an eight-team field this year, with the aforementioned teams joined by the Parksville Red Sox, Longwood Brewery, Victoria Merchants and Wheatsheaf Fastball Club.
Tournament organizers have worked closely with Island Health to put together a COVID-19 safety plan. Teams will enter the fields at separate gates, and exit at different gates again to prevent crossing paths with other teams. The beer garden will also be closely monitored, with separate entrances and exits as well.
Benches and bleachers have been put away, so players and guests who want to sit down will need to bring their own chairs. They are also asked to bring their own masks, if desired, and hand sanitizer, although there will be cleaning stations on hand. Every guest that enters the main gates will have to sign in and leave their contact information.
The Island Food Box food truck will be on hand all three days starting at 5 p.m. on Friday and 7 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Proceeds from this year’s tournament will go to the family of Mark Olson, a Cowichan Valley man who died suddenly at the age of 39 on March 29, leaving his wife Ashley and sons Ace and Axel.
“We’ll try to help them out with this fundraiser,” organizer Joe DiLalla said. “That’s what we do every year.”