Charity slo-pitch tourney a labour of love

Tyler Lowey
Times Reporter

 

Two young men with big bats and even bigger hearts have been raising substantial amounts of money each summer through their annual slo-pitch tournament.
Jason Hobson and Shane Fraser, both 18, grew up together in Hussar, where they hung out, played sports and now plan charitable ball tournaments.
“Three years ago, we played on a slo-pitch team and we would travel to play in tournaments,” said Hobson. “We figured, why not invite teams to play here? We didn’t realize how much money we were going to make. We didn’t know what to do with it.”
The two materialized the idea through texting; Fraser is still taken aback at the success of the tournament.
“It’s pretty crazy, we never thought it would be as big as it is,” said Fraser. “We figured we would raise only a grand or two.”
After three installments of the tournament, the pair raised more than $18,000 for different charities.
This past summer, Hobson and Fraser selected two groups: Ronald McDonald House and Strathmore Mental Health. They split the money raised and sent a cheque worth $3,700 to each group.
“We are honoured that these young men chose us as one of the recipients of this year’s fundraiser and very appreciative of their efforts and contribution,” said Darcy Jessen, area manager for rural addiction and mental health. “We’re going to use the funds to purchase equipment and programming that will directly enhance client care.”
Last year, when Fraser was a member of the midget AAA Bisons, his team took a trip to Ronald McDonald House to hand out gifts in honour of Markus Lavallee, a teammate who passed away in 2015. Shortly after, he decided half of the tournament’s earnings would go to Ronald McDonald House. They also collected toys at the tournament and sent them along with the cheque.
The tournament takes place the weekend following the August long; this year it took place Aug. 5-7, at Hussar diamonds. There are typically 10-12 teams that enter.
“We decided to change up the recipient each year. That way we can help out different organizations,” said Hobson, who graduated from Strathmore High School. “We pick the charities if they have affected our family or close friends, keeping it close to our hearts.”
They raised over $6,000 during the inaugural tournament for diabetes, a disease Fraser deals with while still managing to play hockey at a high level. Playing for the Fort McMurray Oil Barons of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, Fraser just wrapped up their preseason schedule with a 4-1 record. The Oil Barons’ regular season kicks off Friday when they host the Grand Prairie Storm.
Hobson just started his freshman year at the University of Lethbridge. He selected that institution to be with friends and be close to family. He is in the education program and hopes to teach Grade 5 and 6 one day.
Last year, Hobson and Fraser raised $5,000 for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
“We both have families with heart issues, so we thought it would be important to give to them,” said Fraser.
Running a charity tournament is no walk around the bases. With limited funds for year-round maintenance of the field, Hobson and Fraser are on the field weeks beforehand, making sure they are in game shape.
There are also a beer gardens and kitchen area that need setting up, along with finding enough teams to run the tournament. The toughest part might be naming the tournament; both men have yet to place a name for the new tradition.
Hobson and Fraser have yet to win their own tournament, but they are in it for the money raised and to have a good time. Hobson doesn’t have a favourite position on the field but loves to step up to the dish to try and crank one, while Fraser loves playing centre field.
There is a cash prize of $500 for the winners, $300 for second place and $150 for third, but each year the winnings have been donated back to the tournament and the charities.
If any teams are interested in signing up in next year’s tournament, contact Hobson through Facebook.